Lindows reveals name change plan

Linux-based desktop distributor Lindows has confirmed that it will unveil its new name next week.

Lindows said that its US corporate name will remain Lindows Inc because it has "meaningful name recognition and product distribution".

But to assure that the company can do business globally, chief executive Michael Robertson announced that Lindows is in the process of selecting a different name for its web presence and products.

The company is currently locked in a legal battle with Microsoft over the Windows trademark.

Robertson said in a statement: "Outside the US we will go by a different name until we can battle for the right to use Lindows internationally.

"The US case will probably take a year to go through the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and perhaps another year for possible Supreme Court review.

"Our plan is to go to trial in the US as soon as possible, at which time we hope to get 'windows' declared a generic word."

The company confirmed that, once the new name is revealed on 14 April, it will "start the migration".

"Since we have thousands of web pages and more than 100 servers it will take considerable time to completely transition," said Robertson.

"The functionality in our product will not change, but outside the US people will know our products by a different name."