MLS, IDX, BLC - I Just Want to Get Paid

In a post about the evolution of the acronym MLS, Dave Phillips over at Bloodhound Blog links out to some historical information, especially what the MLS was originally designed to do...let brokers cooperate contractually to make sure we all get paid for our services.

Real estate is fun, but few of us would do it for free. The MLS has always created an environment where brokers could share listing information and pre-agree as to who gets paid what for bringing the buyer. The public has a completely different perspective, viewing an MLS as a "Multiple Listing Service," database for their use to locate information on property listed for sale.

As these two functions become ever more separate in today's Internet world, it does appear that NAR has lost control of use of "MLS." I like BLC, the Indianapolis acronym for Broker Listing Cooperative. Dave, do you know who holds the trademark to that one, Indianapolis or NAR?