Evolution of the name Pentium:
In 1980s, Intel started developing a series of
products (286, 386 and 486) named as an extension to the base 8086 chip. As
competitors started using the tag line ‘compatible with 486 processors’, Intel
decided to go for a patent in order to avoid confusion and thus filed for a
trademark for their processor chips. This was denied in US because series
numbers could not be considered distinct and that they could not have a patent
for the number. As a result, to continue the naming pattern for their series of
processor chips, Intel decided to launch the 586 processor by the name
‘Pentium’ (Pent – 5th generation, and ium – fundamental ingredient
of a computer). This patent was in line with the slogan ‘Intel Inside’ and
created a brand name for Intel which was leveraged to charge a premium based on
the high perceived value.
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