Legal battle between Apple and Carl Sagan over codenames highlights IP issues and corporate ethics.

When Apple Inc. was developing the Power Macintosh 7100, they internally codenamed it "Carl Sagan" as a playful nod to the famous astronomer. The rationale behind this codename was the implication that the product would make "billions and billions" for the company, a phrase often associated with Sagan. Despite the intended humor, the use of his name without permission led to legal action. Carl Sagan, keen on protecting his name and public image, decided to file a cease-and-desist letter to Apple, demanding they stop using his name for their internal project. Apple complied with his demands and changed the codename to "BHA," which stood for "Butt-Head Astronomer." This new code name also caused concern for Sagan, prompting further legal action. Consequently, the codename was eventually changed again to "LAW," an acronym for "Lawyers Are Wimps." The legal discourse generated significant media coverage and debates around intellectual property, personal branding, and corporate responsibility. No sales numbers or operational disruptions were recorded as resulting from the name change, but the incident highlighted the tensions between commercial entities and public figures over the use of personal names and reputations. This instance remains noteworthy in Apple's history for its mix of legal entanglements, internal culture, and the distinct personalities involved. #CeaseAndDesist #CarlSagan #AppleHistory #PowerMac7100 #IntellectualProperty #MoofLife