Microsoft agrees to change SkyDrive name worldwide; won't appeal ruling [Update]

Microsoft will soon make a name change for its SkyDrive cloud data storage service. After losing a trademark battle in a UK court in June from the pay TV provider BSkyB, the two companies have now agreed that Microsoft will not appeal the ruling and will make moves to change the name of the SkyDrive service, not just in the UK but worldwide, to something else.

According to The Verge, the settlement between Microsoft and BskyB included some financial features but the specific details were, as usual, confidential. In a statement, Microsoft said, "We're glad to have resolution of this naming dispute, and will continue to deliver the great service our hundreds of millions of customers expect, providing the best way to always have your files with you.:

BSkyB said that Microsoft would be allowed to keep the SkyDrive brand "for a reasonable period of time" while the company comes up with a new name. There's no word on just how much time Microsoft has been given to use the name.

The parent company of BSkyB, News Corporation, filed a lawsuit against Microsoft in 2011, stating it held the trademark on the "Sky" name. Microsoft claimed that consumers would not be confused by its SkyDrive data storage service, but the judge in the case ruled in June that the brand name would in fact be detrimental to the previous Sky trademark.

So what will it be called now? Our favorites are Windows Drive or Microsoft Cloud.

Source: The Verge | Image via Microsoft

Update: Liveside has posted the as yet unreleased press release for you to enjoy, below.

British Sky Broadcasting and Microsoft Reach Settlement in Trade Mark Case

Sky allows Microsoft temporary use of SkyDrive name during transition period following trade mark infringement judgement – while Microsoft agree to forego planned appeal

British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“Sky”) and Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”) have today announced the settlement of trade mark infringement proceedings in the European Union brought by Sky against Microsoft in the English High Court. The settlement of this case reflects the desire of both companies to focus on joint projects to benefit their customers.

In June, High Court Judge Mrs Justice Asplin issued a judgment holding that Microsoft’s use of the name SkyDrive infringed Sky’s rights in the ‘Sky’ mark.

According to the settlement, Microsoft will not pursue its planned appeal of this decision and Sky will allow Microsoft to continue using the SkyDrive name for a reasonable period of time to allow for an orderly transition to a new brand. The agreement also contains financial and other terms, the details of which are confidential.

“We are pleased to have reached a settlement after Microsoft agreed not to appeal the trade mark infringement judgment in relation to its SkyDrive service,” said Sky. “We will remain vigilant in protecting the Sky brand and will continue to take appropriate action against those companies who seek to use our trade mark without consent.”

Microsoft said, “We’re glad to have resolution of this naming dispute, and will continue to deliver the great service our hundreds of millions of customers expect, providing the best way to always have your files with you.”