[legal] Assigning the OpenID US Trademark to the Foundation

[Johannes Ernst]

So far, my company has been the owner of the OpenID trademark  
registration in the US. That's because the trademark had to be  
registered and at the time there was no OpenID Foundation. But I  
believe it is now time for the foundation to take ownership of the  
trademark for the benefit of the entire community.

Below is the assignment that I'm planning to sign in the next few  
days. (language drafted by Yahoo -- thanks Yahoo!)

You notice we'll get paid the enormous sum of $1 -- which I plan to  
donate to a good cause, like the OpenID Foundation.

I wanted to run this by the community first, in case anybody has any  
comments.

Also, a number of others on this list have done similar stop-gap  
registrations just like I have in their respective countries. E.g.  
Sxip in Canada, Snorri and Mark Cross in Europe etc. I'd particularly  
like your feedback on whether the language is also acceptable to you  
-- minus whatever modifications may be needed from a legal perspective  
due to the various country laws. We'll let the lawyers tell us about  
that ... but I think it would be good if we all managed to more or  
less sign the same legalese and all the trademarks were signed over  
for the same terms ...

So let me know. Cheers,






Johannes Ernst
NetMesh Inc.

   http://netmesh.info/jernst



TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT


Whereas <company> (hereinafter, “Assignor”) has adopted, used, is  
using and is the owner of the following trademark now registered in  
the United States Patent and Trademark Office:


Trademark

Registration No.

OpenID

3222861





(hereinafter “the Trademark”); and


Whereas OpenID Foundation, an Oregon nonprofit corporation,  
(hereinafter, “Assignee”), is desirous of acquiring the trademark.


Now, Therefore, in consideration of the sum of one dollar ($1.00) and  
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal  
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Assignor hereby assigns  
to Assignee all right, title and interest in the United States in and  
to the Trademark together with the goodwill of the business symbolized  
thereby and all registrations thereof.


Assignor further agrees to execute all papers and to perform such  
other proper acts as necessary to secure to Assignee the rights herein  
assigned.


This Agreement is to be interpreted under the laws of the State of  
California without regard to any choice of laws provision which would  
require construction under the laws of any other jurisdiction.


Dated this the ____ day of _______________ 20___




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