Jim Birch wrote:

> One problem here is that "dolby" is a common surname.  Similarly, "nike" is
> the name of the greek goddess of victory, appropriated by a sporting goods
> company after a couple of millennia of free public use.  Neither of these
> words were invented by their trademark owners though they have added
> to their meanings.
>
> At first sight, it is a little strange that an individual or organisation can
> begin identifying themselves with a common word then claim exclusive rights to
> it's use, especially in what is - debatably - a new realm of human activity.

A good example is Madonna which was used by the Catholic Church for two
millennia before Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone came along on 16 Sep 1958.

        http://www.absolutepictures.com/c/ciccone_madonna/

Best Regards
Patrick Corliss