Isis Wallet has rebranded itself to Softcard in light of the unsolicited attention the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has brought on the tech start up.
Isis Wallet is a free mobile app that utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow customers pay for transactions at different stores using their smartphones.
Michael Abbott, the chief executive of the company, was quoted by the Financial Times last month explaining that the company has sought "a name that brought to life our company and our values." He added that Isis Wallet has no desire to "share a name with this group [ISIS] and our hearts go out to those affected by this violence."
After the decision was made public in September, Isis Wallet [Softcard] officials assured their customers that although the name and logo of the mobile paying app would change, their service would remain the same.
"Customers will be able to store credit card information, loyalty cards, and coupons and offers, into the Softcard app and make payments from their device without actually being required to take those cards out of their pockets," Don Reisinger, a tech columnist writes about the app.
Reports from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office indicate that several companies - about 270 to be exact - have "ISIS" in their names. Many of these companies are reportedly considering the business and ethical implications of sharing a name with an infamous terrorist organization.
The name ISIS is old and has several meanings. But the most recent and most controversial yet is the English acronym for the Sunni terrorist organization that has since conquered parts of Iraq and Syria.
The group, which is known for its violence, brutality and wealth, has unveiled plans to conquer more territory and establish a caliphate. ISIS has since killed and displaced thousands of Kurds and other religious minorities who refuse to adhere to their extreme form of Islam.
Isis Wallet, now Softcard, was launched only last year. The app is a joint venture between T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and AT&T.
