Lindows asked the court to stop Microsoft from routing it out of foreign markets, and the judge, bowing to Lindows' wishes to hear its plea on an expedited basis, listen to what everyone had to say on Wednesday. He then suggested that Microsoft refrain from harrying Lindows in Europe and Canada and in exchange he'll let Microsoft appeal his decision that as part of this whole affair a jury has to decide whether Windows is a generic word or not.

The offer could mean a lot to Microsoft since Lindows successful turned the tables on it and is challenging Microsoft's rights to the Windows trademark. Presumably if Windows wins the appeal, Lindows' position will be significantly weakened, but so far Microsoft ain't biting, telling Lindows to take up its problems in Europe with the local judges.

Lindows complains that Microsoft is forcing it to shut down its Web site, may force it out of business and could force it to change its name despite how the US rules.

Lindows isn't depending solely on how the judge works its motion out.

Since Microsoft has successfully barred Lindows.com from the Benelux under threat of a court-imposed $125,00-a-day fine, Lindows is asking its supporters to think up a new name it can use in places where Microsoft has checkmated its advance with a trademark infringement blockade.

Lindows says, "It's tremendously disruptive to a business to change a name or add an alias, but it may be the only way in the short-term that we can operate in certain places."

It says suggestions should be sent to temporaryName@lindows.com, and that it'll be "investigating the feasibility of utilizing an alternate name to ensure that vendors can do global distribution deals."

Lindows claims the move is only "temporary," but if Microsoft prevails in the US - where things haven't exactly gone well for the giant - presumably Lindows would rebrand itself with the new name.

• Taking the Geek Out of Linux -- A talk with Michael Robertson, CEO of Lindows.com --
• Lindows Outlawed in Holland
• Lindows Claims It Can't Comply with Court Order; Wants Microsoft Enjoined
• Lindows Judge Offers Microsoft a Deal on Windows