GeoCalc is gone.

[+fizzymagic]

Today I received a letter from some scumbag lawyer informing me that the name "GeoCalc" is trademarked by these people. So, seeing as how I am not exactly in the business of selling the app, and therefore have no money to fight such a thing, I have had to remove it.

 

Maybe someday I will do all the work to rename the application. Something like "BlueMarbleCalc" sounds pretty nice, huh?

[+hogrod]

This is very sad.... I love your GeoCalc program. They were probably just mad because your site is higher in the google search results.

[+geomapper]

Maybe a little research was in order before settling on a name for a product.

[+sodajerk]

If it is registered, how come it does not have the little "R" in a circle like some of the other names on their site?

[Dosido]

Would seem to me that Fizzy's geocalc was in the public domain before the Nov 29 '04 trademark filing by BlueMarble. The wayback machine shows a geocalc page from Nov 9 of 2004.

[+embra]

Maybe someday I will do all the work to rename the application. Something like "BlueMarbleCalc" sounds pretty nice, huh?

I'd suggest "BlueMarbleSucksCalc."

[+geognerd]

I work with geographic information systems, which is Blue Marble's field. For what it's worth, I never heard of their GeoCalc until now. I knew of Fizzy's long before.

[CacheNCarryMA]

How about NotGeoCalc

[+the hermit crabs]

or maybe "FizzyCalc"?

[+Green Achers]

...some scumbag lawyer...

You stuttered.

 

I'm boycotting their program.

[+Jhwk]

gee, their geocalculator is only $499 Such a deal!

[+Green Achers]

Would seem to me that Fizzy's geocalc was in the public domain before the Nov 29 '04 trademark filing by BlueMarble. The wayback machine shows a geocalc page from Nov 9 of 2004.

So how about renaming it, "MyGeoCalcWasHighJacked" since they obviously couldn't come up with their own name and likely knew (or should have known) this one was taken.

 

From the company that claims we had a 'depression' in the early 90’s comes this...

If you’re tired of using software built by people who don’t really care about what they do, then try out our software and give us your feedback.

Was this aimed at Fizzy?!! How pompas!

[+KoosKoos]

Looks like it's a fairly common name for some time...a decent lawyer could probably fight it off...but then, that'll cost $$$:

 

1997 Trademark

[+GPSlug]

It goes back quite a ways. But I've seen a few applications with the "GeoCalc" name.

 

I looked at an old one we have around, and it turns out to be Blue Marble's. Hmm. The name didn't ring a bell.

 

Regardless, it is quite old. You may be hard pressed to find anything older.

 

I'll keep using your existing and will download fizzygeomagiccalculatorforgeostuff when it's available.

Edited October 24, 2007 by GPSlug

[+Thrak]

What a crock. I've recommended GeoCalc to a lot of folks. I'm glad I have it.

[+ReadyOrNot]

What a crock. I've recommended GeoCalc to a lot of folks. I'm glad I have it.

 

It doesn't matter if they legally have rights to the name or not... They know you won't fight them in court. All the bullies in school grew up to be lawyers I think

[+Cardinal Red]

I hope you can find the time to revive this.

In any case, thanks for writing a program I would miss very much.

[rwsmith123]

I did a search from the United States Patent and Trademark Office website and don't see where they have registered a trademark for "GeoCalc", just "The Geographic Calculator".

[+Indotguy]

I know there are lawyers out there who are Cachers. Maybe one of them will step up and offer to look into this gratis.

[+fizzymagic]

GeoCalc is gone, but FizzyCalc (which is identical) is now available!

[+coreynjoey]

GeoCalc is gone, but FizzyCalc (which is identical) is now available!

 

 

Yay!!!!

[+hukilaulau]

GeoCalc is gone, but FizzyCalc (which is identical) is now available!

Thanks! I've tried several of the converters out there and yours has always been my favorite. Might as well have a name that gives you a little credit!

[+Renegade Knight]

Today I received a letter from some scumbag lawyer informing me that the name "GeoCalc" is trademarked by these people. So, seeing as how I am not exactly in the business of selling the app, and therefore have no money to fight such a thing, I have had to remove it.

 

Maybe someday I will do all the work to rename the application. Something like "BlueMarbleCalc" sounds pretty nice, huh?

I have to assume they are talking about Geographic Calculator?

 

However I'd tell them thank you for the letter but they will have to clearly identify the product, and laws being broken as well as show the reasons the product fits the examples in the law and if there are none, relevant case law. I'd also ask that assuming that you did in fact agree with their assessment that they provide a list of product names that are simialar to yours but which they can accept. If they can't make a reasonable case I'd tell them to stuff it (nicely).

 

In other words make them do the work to show you there is a problem like they say. It's not enough to say there is a problem. For all you know they copied your work you have all the rights but they got the first lawer.

 

In the mean time I'd file for a trademark. If you get the trademark I'd tell them to stuff it. (Nicely).

 

It's not going to go to court unless they can win or think they can win. You can throw in the towel at any point before it goes to court.

 

Also since the trademark isn't the product itself you do have the option to rename your product TerraCalc.

 

Edit. Looks like FizzyCalc was the answer. I'd still make them pay that lawyer a lot of $ to answer your questions. No reason for them to get off the hook cheap.

[+Renegade Knight]

or maybe "FizzyCalc"?

Good Call.

[+Thrak]

Thanks for FizzyCalc! I've updated my bookmark so it's once again easy to reference it for posting when people ask about converting coordinates, determining distances, etc.

[gratefulHIKE]

I dont see what the issue is, there are a tonnnnnnnnnn of programs out there for these calculations.....from web based to open source, and why is it idiotic to claim infringement?

 

If you legitimately came up with the idea first and registered such an idea, then you are the one entitled to the system and not the imposter. The system is set up that way for a reason, it just sucks when your on the losing end of that system.

[+Timpat]

GeoCalc is gone, but FizzyCalc (which is identical) is now available!

Well done Fizzy!! Keep up the great work! I use your program all the time for recreation, and in my GIS work.

[+hogrod]

GeoCalc is gone, but FizzyCalc (which is identical) is now available!

 

glad to see this isn't gone for good, it's such a handy program.

[BelchFire]

I dont see what the issue is, there are a tonnnnnnnnnn of programs out there for these calculations.....from web based to open source, and why is it idiotic to claim infringement?

 

If you legitimately came up with the idea first and registered such an idea, then you are the one entitled to the system and not the imposter. The system is set up that way for a reason, it just sucks when your on the losing end of that system.

 

gratefulHIKE,

 

I think it was the name, not the product that was the problem.

[+ReadyOrNot]

$499.00 to purchase the "GeoCalc" (single user version). I think I'll stick with FizzyCalc.

[+TrailGators]

$499.00 to purchase the "GeoCalc" (single user version). I think I'll stick with FizzyCalc.

Me too. FizzyCalc sounds better anyhow!

[+BaldEd]

Thanks Fizzy for FizzyCalc. I've had the 'old' version on my desktop for a number of years now. It is a valuable tool that is often used. I'm glad the utility has not gone forever. The King is dead, long live the King.

[John E Cache]

GeoCalc is gone, but FizzyCalc (which is identical) is now available!

See: slide 38 http://velblod.videolectures.net/2007/ijs/..._joachim_03.pdf

Fuzzy Edits FuzzyCal® Algorithm

[snip]

SOLD: R. Kruse (1989) Statistics on Linguistic Data;

FuzzyCalc® H.-J. Lenz and R. Müller (1999, 2000)

[+DENelson83]

GeoCalc is gone, but FizzyCalc (which is identical) is now available!

Uh, I think IBM might come after you next claiming trademark infringement, claiming "FizzyCalc" sounds too much like "VisiCalc". JK

[+RRLover]

GeoCalc is gone, but FizzyCalc (which is identical) is now available!

Uh, I think IBM might come after you next claiming trademark infringement, claiming "FizzyCalc" sounds too much like "VisiCalc". JK

Or the manufacturers of 'Fizzys' sorta like 'Alka-Seltzer' but made a soft drink like substance

when we were kids.

[Difficult Run]

Yayyyyyy!

 

FizzyCalc®

"Your friendly geocalc solution"

 

~ Mitch ~

[Neo_Geo]

Why buy GeoCalc from Blue Marble Geographics when you can use FizzyCalc? Download FizzyCalc for free!

 

(just posting this for the benefit of people who google "Blue Marble Geographics geocalc" in the future. Hopefully this post will show up in the results and save some innocent, unsuspecting soul $500.)

[TOLady]

Well, someone else still has it on their website..... quick, get it before they get sued too!! LOL

 

http://www.geocomp.com.au/geocalc/

[LinXG]

Hey fizzymagic

 

Put it on a server here in Canada. That name isn't trademerked here.

[Ferreter5]

If it were named FuzzyCalc I could hang it from the rearview mirror.

 

Thanks for making this handy tool available again!