For anyone this might matter to,
META alone may not be a highly defendable mark.
I don't believe the terms METAxxxxx as a direct infringement to the mark, but use of the domain has more to say then the term of the name.
Kinda open season, but it remains to be seen how it is deployed in actual use.
Claiming products/services (ie) X, Y & Z are susceptible to challenge when there is not product Y & Z.
And while I am on the subject, I may have mentioned this a long time ago, but here it is in full view for all to see... TM squatters. Just go look at the number of META TM applications for the month of OCT.
Anyway, I don't think I have seen such a long list of products and services in a Mark very many times. It reminds me of Niki's marks when they claim all these products and services and actually have less than 10% of what is listed in actual products and services.
I'm sure we will enjoy a show of court/wipo challenges from even pre-existing marks.
Anyway, like Niki, where they might be likely to loose many challenges based on their list of G&S, not many likely try as they can simply out-money you in litigation. And that is just not right.
But as far as I am concerned, METAxxxx looks good to me. (but not 'meta') and as always,
watch your intent and non-confusing anything you do with it.
This all would be a/my 'OPINION' and may not stand a legal challenge ! LOL
Never seen so much activity over a single term in both names and marks.
Unless something stares me in the face and begs me to buy... I will be sitting this one out, outside of older purchases. I am simply amused.
I might also mention that I have yet to see a 'word mark' for this. Just a 'Image mark' and it is in application phase.