Is the Open Source Brand in the Right Hands? Mar 21, 2008, 19 :30 UTC (1 Talkback[s]) (3172 reads)
"The methodologies of Open Source are not owned or guided by any one person. The closest thing we have are the Open Source Initiative (OSI) and support of the Free Software Foundation (FSF). The OSI certifies what qualifies as an open source license. They have as of late also been adding the TM to the Open Source logo which is the equivalent of the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for open source software. While the Free Software Foundation maintains the Free Software Definition--to show clearly what must be true about a particular software program for it to be considered free software.
"I don't think most open source users understand the implications of this organizations. They control--though not challenged under law--the Open Source trademark. A quick search at the USPTO shows that open source is not a registered trademark for software. There is a registration for Entertainment services, namely, a continuing series of audio programs about current events and culture via radio and global computer networks. It's in use by Chris Lydon and Mary McGrath who produce a talk show podcast and blog..."
