• by Mark Walsh  @markfwal, October 1, 2007

Not everyone finds “hulu,” the playful name NBC Universal and News Corp. gave to their media joint venture so amusing. Online self-publishing company Lulu Enterprises has filed a trademark suit against Hulu, alleging it’s intentionally attempted to create confusion in the marketplace with the new name.

In a statement, Lulu said the Hulu name and digital platform represents a “definitive encroachment.” To determine whether the two “ulu”s could be confused, we compared the online services in a few key categories below. You be the judge.

            Business

            Hulu A joint venture of NBC Universal and News Corp. that will stream full episodes of network and cable hits such as “The Simpsons” and “My Name is Earl,” plus movies including Borat.

            Lulu Allows users to self-publish books, ebooks, CDs, DVDs and videos through its online platform.

            Founder

            Hulu NBC Universal and News Corp.

            Lulu Bob Young. Before starting Lulu, co-founded open source software maker Red Hat in 1993 and the Center for Public Domain, a nonprofit “created to bolster healthy conversation about intellectual property, patent and copyright law.”

            Top comedy video titles

            Hulu “The Office,” “The Simpsons,” “My Name is Earl,” “30 Rock”

            Lulu “Cartoon,” “Kids Funniest Videos,” “Tom and Francie — Mobile Video Edition,” “When Ninjas Attack”

            Latest Achievement

            Hulu Began private beta testing of Hulu.com.

            Lulu Published world’s first book written on a mobile phone.