Microsoft SkyDrive changes name but service remains unchanged

For several years, Microsoft has offered its subscribers the possibility to use a storage feature called “SkyDrive“.
While keeping the service’s characteristics unchanged, Microsoft has announced that the name “SkyDrive” will soon be modified, although the new name is not yet known.
The decision was made due to a legal battle initiated a couple of years ago: Microsoft was taken to court by the pay-TV giant Sky.
The issue involved the possibility of copyright infringement in the name chosen by the Redmond company to indicate its cloud storage service.
Thus, about a month ago, the English court called upon to rule deemed that the use of the name SkyDrive was indeed infringing on some rights of the legitimate owners of the Sky brand.
Although this was a first-instance ruling and despite the intention to appeal, Microsoft – quite surprisingly – announced that it will respect the judgment and change the name of its product.

For its part, the television operator BSkyB has granted Microsoft the possibility to continue using the name “SkyDrive” during the reasonable period of time required for the transition to the new name.
Although no precise figures are mentioned, a financial agreement between the two companies is understandable, as the press release speaks of unspecified “financial terms“.
Microsoft commented on the decision, stating that the company now feels relieved that the legal issue has been resolved and that it will continue to provide the same quality service.
The announcement of SkyDrive’s new name is expected in the coming weeks.