While the Frisbee has officially been around since the early to mid 20′th century, it seems that today is the 50′th anniversary of the frisbee name. Every entrepreneur out there would love to create a product with the same lasting power in the minds, hearts, and elbows of people around the world.

Walter “Fred” Morrison originally named it the Pluto Platter. It seems that 50 years ago, Wham-O Inc. changed the name and created a sensation. Interestingly enough the use of this name is still restricted and the company continues to send legal notices to various infringing manufacturers. This brings up a whole other issue of when should a trademark cease to be a trademark: A trademark is protected for as long as it continues to be in use. I can understand that. But how about when it reaches the common lexicon and is used for any brand of product, generic or actual?

We’ve seen a ton of words that have lost trademark status. Some of the more interesting ones include Aspirin, Crock Pot, Dry Ice, Escalator, Heroin, Tabloid, Tarmac, Yo-Yo, and Zipper.

Shouldn’t Frisbee join this distinguished list?… and Scotch Tape.

Then we could let Apple create the iFrisbee. Evidently, it changes songs with the severity and accuracy of the throw. If you throw it while you’re looking at the target, it tells you to “Think Different.” Then Steve Jobs starts humming a nasty tune

Here, give it a whirl…