[OpenID board] Trademark problem?

[Eddy Nigg (StartCom Ltd.)]

On 12/03/2008 03:13 AM, Dick Hardt:
> I suspect you think there is more traffic on board-private then there
> really is.
>    

I wouldn't know anyway. However the original comment wasn't constructive 
for me. IMO trademark issues are certainly something which might affect 
many of us...

> Remember that we are all volunteers and our ED is out of commission.
>    

Don't even mention the volunteers excuse, because it sucks. Corporate 
members aren't volunteering as far as I can tell, second, if 
time-constraints or other issues prevent a board member from 
functioning, he should return his seat to the foundation and disqualify 
himself.

>
> The object in dealing with the trademark issue is to protect the
> OpenID brand. This is in the best interest of the community.
>    

Indeed!

> If the discussion about how to deal with it is public, then the other
> party can be fully aware of our strategy -- putting the Foundation at
> considerable disadvantage.
>    

I don't agree with this at all. Trademark laws and policies shall be 
voiced clearly and prominently. In this particular case I'm interested 
to know which trademark they violated. Trademark(s) are a matter of the 
foundation and its members, including eventual violations. Any party 
shall be aware of the dealings in this regard. (Besides that most of us 
aren't lawyers - which would take care of it eventually, but the fact 
that a violation was detected (if and when and why) and that it's going 
to be pursued shall be of no disadvantage - quite the opposite I think)

> There is a committee working on a clear Trademark Policy for OpenID.
> We don't have that at this point. Agree it is important. If you have
> time to help out, let David Recordon know.
>    

I shall be to your service on this particular issue. Tell me how to join.

> In summary, we are doing the best we can as volunteers.

Nonono....stop the whining! And perhaps it should be made clear upfront 
to all of the nominees, you volunteer because you can, and not because 
you can't !


Regards
Signer: 	Eddy Nigg, StartCom Ltd. <http://www.startcom.org>
Jabber: 	startcom at startcom.org <xmpp:startcom at startcom.org>
Blog: 	Join the Revolution! <http://blog.startcom.org>
Phone: 	+1.213.341.0390


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