Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has launched a stealth company called BGC3. No word so far on its purpose or future direction. However, a quick scan of government and Internet records reveals several interesting tidbits.In its trademark application, BGC3 is listed as a provider of "think tank services" for the computer hardware and software industries. The trademark application was filed on Sept. 29, 2008.

The application was filed by Allen Baden, an attorney who once worked for Dell and who joined Gates' father's former law firm, K&L Gates, in Seattle as recently as August. K&L Gates handles most of Bill's private legal affairs.

The application shows that BGC3 will be located at 4000 Carillon Point, in Kirkland, Wash. That's 6 miles from Microsoft headquarters in Redmond and about 4 miles from Gates' home in Medina, Wash. It's also across the street from Cascade Investments, Gates' investment management company. Google Maps shows that it might also have a nice lake view.

BGC3 has a Web site. Not surprisingly, it's BGC3.com. Internet records show that the domain name was registered on June 20, 2008, anonymously, through Network Solutions. Currently, the site features just a single page that bears what is presumably the company's logo -- a stylized letter C, in black, coupled with the number 3 in aquamarine.

No word on what BGC3 literally stands for, though it's probably "Bill Gates Something Something." (Bill Gates Company 3? Bill Gates Catalyst 3? Bill Gates Cloud 3?)

Though news of the company emerged only this week, BGC3 already has a Wikipedia entry. It's described as "a new company founded by Microsoft's founder, Bill Gates." Well, that clears that up, doesn't it?

Finally, I have it on good authority that BGC3 is developing computers that are "moist and chewy, like cake." It also may be working on blogging software for amoebae. Ah, those inscrutable Gates, Jerry Seinfeld ads finally make sense!