[ogb-discuss] OGB/2007/004 Trademark Usage and Distribution Nomenclature

[Keith M Wesolowski]

I'm proposing that the OGB take the actions described below.
Following any changes suggested during review, I'll be moving for
adoption at next Wednesday's regular board meeting.

Administrivia: since we don't have a nextcase mechanism, I searched
for existing case numbers and 4 was the lowest I could not find.  If
this number is already used elsewhere, please let me know.

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   * Note: Until approved by the OGB, these statements do not
   * represent the OGB's position or policy.

OGB/2007/004 Trademark Usage and Distribution Nomenclature

The OGB notes Sun's and the Indiana Project Team's recent
announcement[0] that a preview release of their distribution is now
available as the 'OpenSolaris Developer Preview'.  Unfortunately, this
choice of nomenclature implies that this prototype has been endorsed
by the OpenSolaris Community as the exclusive expression of our values
and intent.  Neither the community's Members nor the OGB have given
such an endorsement.

On behalf of the OpenSolaris Community, the OGB has therefore
determined that this choice of nomenclature is not appropriate at this
time.  We share Sun's commitment to adoption and execution of a
flexible policy governing use of the OpenSolaris trademark once
consensus has been achieved on that policy's desired terms.  We are
aware and supportive of the ongoing effort to achieve that
consensus[1] and will rely on its results when negotiating the final
agreement with Sun.

Until that time, we ask that Sun require that references to Indiana
discontinue using the name 'OpenSolaris' or any other implying
exclusive endorsement of the OpenSolaris Community.

[0] http://mail.opensolaris.org/pipermail/opensolaris-discuss/2007-October/035322.html

[1] http://www.opensolaris.org/os/project/branding/

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-- 
Keith M Wesolowski		"Sir, we're surrounded!" 
FishWorks			"Excellent; we can attack in any direction!"