The Ubuntu trademark policy [LWN.net]

Canonical has posted a trademark policy describing how others can use the Ubuntu names. "The Ubuntu trademarks are designed to cover use of a mark to imply origin or endorsement by the project. When a user downloads something called Ubuntu, they should know it comes from the Ubuntu project. This helps Ubuntu build a reputation that will not be damaged by confusion around what is, and isn't, Ubuntu."

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The Ubuntu trademark policy

Posted Apr 26, 2007 17:32 UTC (Thu) by frazier (guest, #3060) [Link] (2 responses)

It will be interesting to see how this is received. I think it is a good move.

I'm curious what the impact will be for Christian Ubuntu.

-Brock

The Ubuntu trademark policy

Posted Apr 26, 2007 18:09 UTC (Thu) by szoth (guest, #14825) [Link]

Or Ubuntu Satanic Edition for that matter:

http://parker1.co.uk/satanic/screenshots/

The Ubuntu trademark policy

Posted Apr 27, 2007 5:26 UTC (Fri) by beoba (guest, #16942) [Link]

I'd say none, the policy appears to support it:

We recognise and encourage the concept of a remix. Remixes are derived versions of Ubuntu, and it is intended that any software and hardware certifications will apply to a Remix. Therefore the changes from official Ubuntu product must be minimal to be permitted to use the Trademarks. These changes can include configuration changes through the existing Ubuntu configuration management tools, changes to artwork and graphical themes. and some variance in package selection.

However, it does say this about naming schemes:

[...] makes it clear that your project is a development effort related to the Ubuntu source, but that the software you are working upon is not in fact Ubuntu as distributed by the Ubuntu project. The approved naming scheme to facilitate this is through designation Remix. For instance, a new ISO image which has been packaged special tools for software developers could be called Ubuntu, Developers Remix, or an image was has been created with Thai language packs could be called "Ubuntu Thai Remix". Words such as "Edition" and "Version" should be avoided, as they have specific meaning within the Ubuntu project. Prefixes, such as ThaiBuntu should also be avoided. Any other naming scheme will require explicit permission.

The Ubuntu trademark policy

Posted Apr 27, 2007 7:41 UTC (Fri) by jengelh (subscriber, #33263) [Link]

Really, there was NO DAMN better word to choose than "Ubuntu". Now the world gets all confused. Not only is it a common-used word, it also belongs to the core language. Or as the FUSE FAQ puts it (rightfully): "[...] has since vowed never to name a project after a common term, not even anything found more than a handful of times on Google."

The Ubuntu trademark policy

Posted Apr 27, 2007 15:05 UTC (Fri) by marduk (guest, #3831) [Link]

Too late. There are already so many Ubuntus I for one am confused as to which one re Canonical products and which are not.