Honeywell, Lebanon firm locked in dispute

In simpliest terms, Honeywell is claiming to own the circle shape, at least when it comes to thermostats. Another company is claiming the shape is functional, so it can use it. from the story..

"Shapes are entitled to trademark protection, but they don't qualify as trademarks if the shape is functional," said Bauer, who specializes in intellectual property issues. "The argument of what qualifies as functional figures to be the case law dispute."

An interesting look into how trademarks work... or don't work, I guess. Now, here is the question... when you see a round thermostat cover... do you think Honeywell? Honeywell thinks so!