Who owns “Vista”?

Microsoft has named its next version of Windows " Vista.” A software company, not far from Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, is not pleased.

Vista, Inc. is a business software and services company founded in 1999. Apparently Vista, Inc.’s lawyers are examining whether the name chosen by Microsoft violates Vista, Inc.’s marks.

Microsoft has announced a massive rollout of the Vista name when its flagship operating system goes on sale in Fall 2006.

A Microsoft spokesman said the company chose Vista from a list developed by the Windows team, based on features found in the new software. Among its primary selling points are new tools for searching and viewing the contents of a PC; communications features; and a lighter desktop appearance with transparent objects.

A recent search of the Trademark Office’s database by Attorneys For Trademarks revealed approximately 1200 registered or expired marks which contain the word "vista" and two registered marks containing both "vista" and "software."