Right, but the lawyers have to defend it as vigorously as possible, because if they don't, and it officially becomes generic, then Ricoh could start calling their copiers 'xerox machines', which Xerox would hate.

My dad once heard a case about a washing machine repairman who had his name changed by deed poll to append 'Approved Repairer', so he could put it in his Yellow Pages ad. (I know another guy who did the same thing with 'PhD'.)

It's like how people who work for Velco aren't allowed to call it velcro.

I went looking for a bit of velcro trivia I'd come across, and found some other interesting stuff. Get this: a circular patch of velcro 5 inches in diameter would be strong enough to suspend a human from a crane without falling.

Anyway, the trivia I was originally verifying: there's a modification of velcro developed specifically for the military. Unlike the usual stuff, it's silent.

Man. I need silent velcro.

I bet R*ley had some.

I know they fight vigorously to maintain their trademark, but in practice, a helluva lot of people have used their name generically for a long time.

You're right, DX, I was being overly legalistic. I blame law school. I would also, at this point, like to blame it for all the evils of society, including my upcoming afternoon.

Man. I need silent velcro.

What. For?!

What. For?!

Krav. Leave me alone.

It's important. I want ninja handwraps.

No, I don't think so, I'm laying down the law as your future sugar momma. All velcro will be sound only.

You need to keep the law out of your private life. There are so many uncivil civilian applications that would be just plain fun.

Stealth bondage!

Stealth bondage!

I want this!

ita, my dear, I think you misunderstand the point of bondage.

Now, stealth kidnapping, that I may be able to get behind. Theoretically.