NAME-CHANGE

Well, finally the most annoying part of our history so far: the change of our name. In february 1998 we received a letter from a german band from Germering (near Munich) that was/is also called CRYPTIC. They had discovered us in a demo mailorder and demanded that we stopped using the name CRYPTIC; in case we wouldn't cooperate, we would have to face the legal consequences. After that, we called the the German Patent Office, but they confirmed that the band from Munich had have patented its name. Eventually we asked a lawyer, but he also states that there was no (legal) possibility to keep our name.

We tried to find a solution suitable for both bands, but several calls didn't change the position of the other CRYPTIC. As a consequence there was no other way than searching for a new name; and all that three months after our CD-release! The name-finding turned out to be a bit difficult, as we already searched quite long for the old name... and we had to hurry, because as many reviews as possible should be published with the new name.

Finally, we agreed to go on as ENCRYPTION, which is the noun for the adjective CRYPTIC. So the new name is still connected to the old one; another advantage was the ability to keep our Cryptogram-Logo. But the real work only started now: making ENCRYPTION-sticker for the rest of the CDs, printing new flyers and sending them to all formerly contacted fanzines, magazines, radio stations and distros, and - most important -  ensuring legal protection of the new name ENCRYPTION, that means patenting the name at the German Patent Office. Well, all in all the whole thing cost us at least 1000 DM!

Of course we were quite angry with the other CRYPTIC, what was also stated in harsh words in several interviews. After a long conversation with CRYPTIC's bandleader, I am able to understand their point of view a bit more, but nevertheless we think that their reaction was exaggerated and not necessary - but shit happens!

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