Alpha Inc Announces a New Computer Operating System to Be Marketed

Essay

Alpha Inc. announces a new computer operating system to be marketed under the name McSoftware. McDonald's Corp. asserts that the use of this name infringes on the McDonald's family of trademarks characterized by the prefix "Mc" attached to a generic term. Alpha responds that "Mc" has come into generic use as a prefix and therefore McDonald's has no trademark rights to the prefix. Alpha files an action, seeking a judgment that the mark McSoftware does not infringe on McDonald's trademarks. What factors will the court consider in deciding this issue? What will be the probable outcome of the case? Explain.