Microsoft registers trademark--19 years late

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This isn't a big deal

So MS trademarked a product name. So what? Linux is a trademark held by Linus Torvalds. If you use the name Linux in a way that he doesn't like, he'll send a cease and desist.

The difference between OSS and proprietary is that you can use Linux the software royalty-free, so long as you adhere to the GPL. Linus may choose to not let you use the Linux name, but you can still use his code. With Excel, you can't use either without direct permission from MS. But my point is that there is no difference between OSS and proprietary with regards to trademarks.

And there's no reason why TurboExcel can't come up with another name that properly describes and uniquely identifies their product without using other company's trademarks. This will not hold their product (or any other product with connections to OSS) back. Patents are the real issue, not trademarks.

Posted by: Michael Kelly   Posted on: 11/12/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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