It’s been a long time coming, but everyone knew it would happen eventually. Platinum Software Corp, the Irvine, California-based provider of financial accounting and business applications, has filed suit against its namesake, Platinum Technology Inc of Chicago, Illinois, the acquisitive database and systems management company. Platinum Software is seeking damages for trademark infringement and wants to stop it using the word Platinum in connection with computer software and hardware. The two have certainly been the cause of much confusion over the last few years, and in the days when Platinum Software was doing particularly badly, Platinum Technology was quick to send out notices dis-associating itself with the other company (CI No 2,828). Now the tables are turned, with Platinum Software back in the black and Platinum Technology is struggling with losses, burdened by the 22 or more acquisitions it’s made over the last few years.
