Is the Open Source Brand in the Right Hands?

“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…”

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