We think Sun Data Inc might be a little be nuts trying to get Sun Microsystems Inc to change its name but the $250m Norcross, Georgia-based integrator and reseller says it’s got evidence that potential customers are confusing the two companies and therefore Sun Data’s vendor-independent reputation. A year of out-of-court negotiations haven’t resolved the issue. Sun Data filed a suit against Sun Microsystems last December charging it with trademark infringement. Sun Microsystems filed a counter suit three days later. A date for trial has not yet been set but Sun Data is trumpeting a ruling made by a judge in the Netherlands which says Sun Data does not infringe Sun Microsystems’ trademark in a case filed by Sun there. Privately-held Sun data claims 8,000 customers and resells the odd used Sun Microsystems box on occasion. Sun Data opened for business in 1976, Sun Microsystems in 1982.
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