Does aggregators’ use of the term “MLS” damage the industry?

Is the boat about to rock?

A recent survey by RealTrends.com which they plan to present to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), “Over 70% of respondents thought that the value of ‘MLS’ could be easily diminished through the confusion caused by non-Realtor aggregator’s use of that term.”

Because the term “MLS” (Multiple Listing Service) is not trademarked and there are currently no industry protections over the term, and there is currently support brewing for trademarking the term given that anyone can use the term when describing real estate data collected and presented by anyone, even third party companies.

We ask who would govern the national enforcement and would it look like the NAR’s protection over the term “REALTOR®” where a department shoots off a cease and desist order followed by threats and eventual legal action, or would it look more along the lines of moderation on a forum where use is flagged and reported and governed by the national community at large?

Time for you to weigh in

In an effort to make sure your voice is heard, please take a moment to lend your opinion to the debate, which we will make sure is shared with NAR. Would this move be yet another stifling of innovation or is protection critical now more than ever? Let us know!

CC Licensed image courtesy of harmonious design via Flickr.com.