Goliath vs. David = SPARC vs. SparkFun
On 16 October 2009, SparkFun Electronics, Inc. (http://www.sparkfun.com) received a cease-and-desist letter from computer giant SPARC International, Inc. They accused SparkFun of infringing on their copyright based on them selling “identical” product and the fact that part of their name happens to sound similar. They also demanded transfer of the sparkfun.com domain to SPARC and a response letter formally ceding to their demands by 28 October 2009.
I am a big fan of SparkFun’s work and products. I wish I lived in Colorado so I could attend their classes. I am prepared to go to battle for them, if necessary, to maintain the lines between what is acceptable use of the law and what is not.
The hacker/DIY/electronics engineering community has slowly become aware of the situation and the level of protest is high. In fact, the sole author of this blog accepted SparkFun’s invitation to write to SPARC by email.
Here is a copy of the original cease-and-desist letter from SPARC to SparkFun.
Here is a copy of the response I sent them.
I doubt anything much will come of this threat from SPARC, but if it should come to a lawsuit, I am prepared to be on the defensive to protect small companies from being abused by larger companies and their expansive legal departments. Cisco can do what it wants to Apple, no matter how much of a fanboy I may be, but this is crossing a line. Under no circumstances should this hacking of the legal system be allowed.
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