Microsoft goes Dutch with Lindows ban

Lindows, the open-source operator that has been battling with the Redmond über-software company over trademark infringement, has lost its legal battle in the Netherlands.

After a similar defeat in Sweden, the Dutch courts have ruled that Lindows has to stop using its Windows-spoofing name. And the legal authorities in Luxembourg and Belgium are firmly in agreement, after it was found to be in violation of a Benelux law on brand names.

The name itself isn't the only issue for the open-source company - it's no longer allowed to sell or advertise its products, has to cancel all outstanding orders and can't allow users from the Netherlands, Luxembourg or Belgium to access its site.

Lindows.com has today announced that while it will abide by the terms of the ruling for the moment, it intends to appeal the decision.

The battle over its name doesn't seem to be hampering Lindows, however. The company is ramping up for the continuation of a similar trademark fight in the US courts, which is scheduled to begin on 1 March this year, and in which Microsoft has so far been beaten twice. Lindows also has plans to get its LindowsLive operating system onto more PCs this year - by distributing it for free over P2P networks.