Intel has added a pair of trademarks to its large roster of protected names: 'Intel Inside VIIV' and 'Intel VIIV'.

Not surprisingly, there's a considerable amount of head-scratching going on in web-based Intel-watching circles as to what the chip giant is thinking. The speculation isn't helped by Intel's refusal to comment, even though the trademark filings are a matter of public record.

The trademarks have also been filed in Germany.

Some say the 'VIIV' is a reference to a dual-core ('II') Pentium 5 ('V'). Others suggest the symbol indicates 64-bit: VI for six, IV for 4. However, LXIV would be a better indicator of 64-bit technology, perhaps, and certainly a more accurate way of showing the number in Roman numerals.

Either way - and neither idea has been confirmed, in any way - the meaning is not immediately obvious to potential punters; and it doesn't follow the company's usual approach to technology naming schemes.

'Vacuous Intel Initiative Verbiage', anyone? ®

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