Leading brand owners have formed an association (uBetterNot) to protect their rights to the use of a symbol (usually lower case alpha ) joined to another (usually capitalised) word. A well known example is Apple Corporation's iPad.
Corporate Lawyer for the association Mr. C. Sandesist said “Our members have invested heavily in promoting their brands and it was not fair that other companies could now come along with other snazzy symbol-lead product names. ”
“Our actions will not be limited to the use of single symbols. Brand or product names that vaguely sound like one of ours will be targeted. For example we have requested an injunction prohibiting the use of 'eye pad' by Boots Eye Care Division”
“Also under consideration is how to control the traditional generic sector of symbol-lead products, S-Bend, P-Trap, T-Square etc. We contend that a licensing arrangement will have to be sought by any company producing that type of product.”
“uBetterNot means what it says. You better not try using anything resembling our brand names or else.”