Podcasters running from iPod?

I am listening to Leo Laporte at the Podcasting Expo and it looks like Podcasters are talking about running away from iTunes and iPod. Why? Because Apple has taken the controversial step of going after anyone who uses the word pod on their websites and in their company names. Unfortunatly for Apple the name podcasting has become ubiquitious and they will have a battle on their hands. It is a case where Apple appears to be biting the hand that feeds them free podcasting content for their iTunes system. The key thing about podcasting is it doesn't need an iPod. In fact most people don't use their iPod to listen to podcasts. The media has taken up the idea that iPod is the only way to receive podcasts and Apple is encouraging this. I don't see how I can blame them. It is a way for them to gain free content and new listeners. I don't agree that companies should use the iPod name and sell the same services that Apple does. But I don't agree that Apple should be going after companies that do not do this. I have not heard that this is the case with Apple and in fact the company they have gone after for trademark infringement actually was trying to sell media players, software and download services. Sounds like Apple right? That is why Apple went after them. My concern is that they don't go after businesses that don't impact their business model and I hope that they can reign their lawyers in in this matter. Trademark infringement is a tricky thing and I hope Apple thinks it through before they continue down this path. The fact that podcasters are talking about encouraging people to move away from iPods for podcasts should be something that is of great concern for Apple and will hopefully open up their eyes to the damage their actions can cause to their business. - Doug Kersten