zlacker

I think there comes a point when a 'trademark' is so generic, and in common use, that it should no longer be 'owned'.

In my mind, the red cross symbol has become a universal symbol for 'medical service or supplies', and not just for this one organization.

Perhaps they should change their logo. Or just be content that they 'own' one of the most recognizable symbols in history.

>>jackne+(OP)
We call it "kleenex", no matter what the brand actually is. Kleenex has become generic. And yet, if I were to try to sell some off-brand tissues with the name "Kleenex", I'd get sued, and I would lose, and rightly so. The word has become generic, but that doesn't mean that the trademark is (or should be) no longer owned.

>>Animal+n
'Kleenex' is not so universal though (I don't call tissue that). I think the red cross symbol pretty much is.

What other symbol would you use for medicine/medical? Just look at any first-aid box, and it has a red cross. Even nurse dress-up costumes.

Of course if I tried to start an NGO using the symbol, I would rightly be sued. But using it generically, in games for med-paks or whatever, etc, seems fine to me.