sorta OT: company names
Erik Price
erikprice at mac.com
Fri Sep 20 13:39:00 EDT 2002
Hi,
This question isn't really related to Linux or Unix specifically, but
I'll ask anyway since I know there are some experienced developers on
this list.
I am writing a small chunk of software (in Java) that I intend to
release on Freshmeat when I have a beta. I don't have a "company" name
registered in whatever organization keeps track of company names, but
I'd like to use one (even though it's just me hacking in my spare time,
not-for-profit). This is especially significant given that I would use
the name in the software package name, eg
"com.MyCompany.MyApplicationPackage". However, the name that I want to
use was taken by another company about 7 years ago, but I am fairly
certain it longer exists -- there are only 19 hits on Google in
reference to the name, and of those, only a few actually related to the
company. They do not have a web site, nor can I find any contact
information about them. A Wired article indicates that this company
was based out of someone's apartment in New York, whereas I live in
Mass.
I'm wondering if it's legal to just appropriate the name for my own
use. I'd guess not, but then I wonder how many diners out there are
named "Classic Diner" or what have you. Furthermore, I have the domain
name already. What are the (legal) steps to take so that you can put
"Copyright 2002 My Company" on your software?
Thanks for your thoughts,
Erik
--
Erik Price (zombies roam)
email: erikprice at mac.com
jabber: erikprice at jabber.org
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