Names and copyrights....

kenneth_phough · Post by **kenneth_phough** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:26 pm

My operating system name is AOS, an acronym fo an operating system, but when I searched AOS I got other names such as AOS Technologies.
How can I make sure I am not using someone elses trademakr/registered name?

Thanks,
Kenneth

[EDIT]

I checked the United States Patent and Trademark Office and found out AOS is a trademark for a semiconductor. GREAT!

My OS is "an operating system" and its acronym is AOS, but I am using AOS as its name on various sites. Would that be a infringement of their trademark?

Thanks,
Kenneth

chase · Post by **chase** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:47 pm

Depends on the country. Some countries allow the same name to be trademarked if it is used for different purposes. As semiconductors and operating systems are technology related I don't think you could get away with it even if this was the case in the US. However I think in the US trademarks tend to be a little more broad. Even if you have the legal right you'd probably get a cease and desist letter one day.

It sucks but you're probably going to have to make up a new name. The best place to start is google, when you come up with something that only gives a page or two then it's time to search the USPO. Personally I'd start with google then a domain register, then USPO since the first two will give you a idea of the international use of your name. Don't even bother with anything as short as 3 letters.

kenneth_phough · Post by **kenneth_phough** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:25 am

Thank you. I followed your advice and I finally found a name that I like and is available! KenaxOS.

I have another question. My project was approved by SourceForge.net 5 days ago (I think) and its UNIX name is an-os (aos was taken), but now that I found out the AOS is trademarked, and that I have changed it to KenaxOS, would it be hard to change the UNIX name? I submitted a support request but I got an e-mail saying that my post is closed because its a duplicate - but I don't remeber posting it twice. Also, I'm new to SourceForge.net.

Thanks,
Kenneth

SpooK · Post by **SpooK** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:39 am

Should you even worry about the cover of the book (the OS name), before the contents are written (the OS)???

kenneth_phough · Post by **kenneth_phough** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:49 am

True...currently my os doesn't even have a functional console, but it would be nice to be able to call it something like Bob or Tom

Cheers,
Kenneth