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Girl Scouts file trademark lawsuit as Boy Scouts plan to rename to Scouts BSA

reuters.com

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Re: Girl Scouts file trademark lawsuit as Boy Scouts plan to rename to Scouts BSA

#31

Post by duskwuff »

db48x wrote: post #2

One of them should have just bought the other.

This wouldn't work -- while BSA and GSA are superficially similar, there are deep ideological divides between the two groups. BSA has historically had strong ties to Christian groups and politically conservative ideologies, while GSA has generally avoided religious ties and supported more liberal policies. By way of example, BSA prohibited "open and avowed" homosexuals from serving as leaders until 2015, whereas GSA has had "no membership policies on sexual preference" since 1991.

Besides, these aren't publicly traded companies. They're not for sale; one cannot "buy" the other.

Re: Girl Scouts file trademark lawsuit as Boy Scouts plan to rename to Scouts BSA

#32

Post by steelframe »

function_seven wrote: post #17
lozaning wrote: post #10

According to an article in Time[1] 'The Girl Scouts seek a court order blocking the Boy Scouts from using the term “Scout,” “Scouts,” “Scouting,” or “Scouts BSA” without an “inherently distinctive or distinguishing term appearing immediately before it.”' How is the word scout not considered to be a generic trademark type word at this point and in this context? Does anyone not see this as a silly, frivolous argument?…

In the context of youth leadership development, "Scout" can be trademarked. Just like "Apple"—in the context of computers, phones, etc.—is owned by the Mac and iPhone company. Are there any other organizations that use "Scout" in their name, besides BSA and GSUSA?

> Just like "Apple"—in the context of computers, phones, etc.—is owned by the Mac and iPhone company.

Remember that epic multi-decade Apple Corps vs. Apple Computer trademark battle?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Corps_v_Apple_Computer

Re: Girl Scouts file trademark lawsuit as Boy Scouts plan to rename to Scouts BSA

#33

Post by ericb »

The move to allow both boys and girls in the (Boy) scouts looks really smart, long-term.

For parents with both boys and girls, the choice is now to join two organizations and deal with two sets of meetings, fundraisers, schedules, and activities, or join the (formerly Boy) scouts only and have half the headaches.

Re: Girl Scouts file trademark lawsuit as Boy Scouts plan to rename to Scouts BSA

#34

Post by mdasen »

It's amazing how times change. Just a few years ago, the Boy Scouts wouldn't allow gay kids to join (2013) and wouldn't allow gay leaders (2015). Back then, people were applauding the Girl Scouts for their progressive stance on gay rights and transgender youths. Today, the Boy Scouts are leaning into a more gender-neutral membership.

Ultimately, I think the Girl Scouts are worried about their membership. If Scouts BSA accepts all applicants while they only accept girls, Scouts BSA is likely to carve out a bunch of their membership. When men's colleges went co-ed, it didn't really threaten women's colleges because the formerly men's colleges couldn't just grow their membership. They had limited classroom space, limited dorms, etc. However, with less fixed infrastructure, Scouts BSA could absorb a lot of the Girl Scouts membership.

Personally, I think there is room for multiple gender-neutral youth organizations with different ranges of activities. However, it will mean that organizations must provide a positive reason for people to want to join rather than the negative "you aren't allowed in the other club".

Re: Girl Scouts file trademark lawsuit as Boy Scouts plan to rename to Scouts BSA

#35

Post by function_seven »

steelframe wrote: post #32
function_seven wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In the context of youth leadership development, "Scout" can be trademarked. Just like "Apple"—in the context of computers, phones, etc.—is owned by the Mac and iPhone company. Are there any other organizations that use "Scout" in their name, besides BSA and GSUSA?

> Just like "Apple"—in the context of computers, phones, etc.—is owned by the Mac and iPhone company. Remember that epic multi-decade Apple Corps vs. Apple Computer trademark battle? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Corps_v_Apple_Computer

Ha, I do.

This line didn't bode well:

> As a condition of the settlement, Apple Computer agreed not to enter the music business

$500mm later, and they're best friends now.

Re: Girl Scouts file trademark lawsuit as Boy Scouts plan to rename to Scouts BSA

#36

Post by makewavesnotwar »

Nothing about the Boy Scouts is really gender specific, beyond their requirement to be male that's set to be amended in February.

I don't understand how "Scouts BSA" is a violation of any trademarks that the Girl Scouts might hold. Especially considering the Girl Scouts came after BSA had already been established. If anything I would say that Girl Scouts are encroaching on the BSA's brand identity by calling themselves "X Scouts". When someone talks about being in the Scouts, I tend to take it as the Boy Scouts already.

And there aren't to my knowledge a lot of boys upset that they can't become Gold Star Girl Scouts... There are on the other hand a lot of females that are upset about not being able to become Eagles. [0]

Reading the article it sounds like some evil cookie corporation is pissed that they're losing free child labor rather than genuine concern for the empowerment of young people.

[0] https://www.outsideonline.com/2347221/let-me-become-eagle-sc...

Re: Girl Scouts file trademark lawsuit as Boy Scouts plan to rename to Scouts BSA

#38

Post by qwertay »

ct520 wrote: post #27
porphyrogene wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is not Reddit. Hacker News is a place for respectful discourse.

Maybe he was being serious. Techy crowd never stops surprising me

You can be serious while also being disrespectful.
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