Many years ago when GAIM project was first started, it was called “GTK+ AOL Instant Messenger.” AOL naturally complained, and Mark Spencer changed the name to “Gaim.”
A few years later AOL trademarked “AIM,” and started referring to their IM services using that name. They complained.
At long last, GAIM have a signed settlement and can release a new version. There is one catch however: they have had to change the project’s name.
After a long, and secret debate, GAIM’s team settled on the name “Pidgin” for GAIM itself, “libpurple” for “libgaim” (which, as of 2.0.0 beta6, exists), and “Finch” for “gaim-text”. Yes, the spelling of “Pidgin“.
The final Pidgin 2.0.0 will be released late this week or early next week.