On Sat, Apr 14, 2007 at 06:26:01PM -0400, Nathanael Nerode wrote: > Actually, I believe we specifically want to authorize "diminishing the > distinctiveness" or "harming the reputation". Trademark dilution and > trademark libel suits are not appropriate for free software, if they are > ever appropriate.
I disagree. Not being able to protect the trademark against misuse that reflects badly on Debian seriously diminishes the value of holding such a trademark at all. > Use of a trademark to harm the reputation of the trademark holder is an > essential right for those who wish to attack the trademark holder for > what they see as bad behavior. Hrm, there is a difference between *referencing* a trademark when criticizing the holder, and *using* the mark, in trade, in a way that reflects badly on Debian. TTBOMK, it is always legal under US trademark law to make nominative use of a trademark, whether for criticism or otherwise. > We just want to disallow actual infringement, not these other things. I don't know who the "we" is on whose behalf you're speaking here. -- Steve Langasek Give me a lever long enough and a Free OS Debian Developer to set it on, and I can move the world. [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.debian.org/ -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]