draft-ietf-ipr-trademarks-00.txt

[Simon Josefsson <jas at extundo.com>]

Do this document imply that IETF contributors who use trademarked
names must add (TM) or (R)?

In section 3, it says:

   If no statement has been filed with the IETF about a term or phrase
   that is marked in a contribution as a trademark or service mark it
   is reasonable to assume that references to the term or phrase in
   product text, documentation and advertising material is permitted
   but that using the term or phrase as the name of a product requires
   permission from the holder of the mark.

That paragraph seem unfinished to me.  "Reasonable" to whom?  The
suggested interpretation is not binding for anyone, nor is it the only
interpretation.  At worst, this appear to permit abusive or
discriminatory behavior wrt trademarks.

I would feel more comfortable if all unavoidable uses of (TM) and (R)
markers within IETF documents were accompanied with a clear IPR
statement.

Ideally, there should not be a need for many (TM) or (R) markers, so
this additional requirement do not appear to be costly to implement.

Can I ask what the motivation for this document is?  As far as I know,
there are no legal requirement, in any jurisdiction, to add (TM) or
(R) when writing a trademark in general.

Generally, kowtowing toward trademark owners can be one way to
undermine the free software community.

Thanks,
Simon


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