To the Editor:-I noticed in a recent response to a letter to the editor, [1] Dr. Daniel Sessler lists as part of his affiliation Director, Outcomes Research [trademark sign] Laboratory. I find myself absolutely intrigued by this, particularly because they have chosen to trademark the more generalized "Outcomes Research" rather than the more specific "Outcomes Research Laboratory." I would appreciate it if Dr. Sessler or one of his colleagues from Vienna could explain to us the implication of this trademark. For example, does the use of the term "Outcomes Research" require prior consent, or do we owe the University of Vienna a groschen or two each time we use the phrase "Outcomes Research"?
Victor C. Baum, M.D.
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics; University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia
(Accepted for publication March 23, 1999.)
