Seth Goodman wrote:
Tyler wrote on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 6:42 AM -0500:Michael M. wrote:I don't think Debian does the same thing with its "Official Use Logo." The logo indicates that the project officially has been approved by Debian, but it doesn't imply any sort of control overthe project by Debian.But how does Debian decide to approve a project? Do I just ask them nicely, and then modify the code to my hearts content? Debian doesn't require a formal code review, but could still revoke their trademark if they don't like the code, or for any other reason.My question as well. If someone starts with a snapshot of an official Debian release, follows the Debian packaging guidelines and fully complies with the GPL, is there any basis for denying their continued use of the official Debian logo?
There would have to be. As Tyler already pointed out, the Debian "Official Use Logo" license says:
"3. We reserve the right to revoke a license for a product"There's no question that Debian has a "basis" for denying use of the logo, in legal terms. That's how trademarks work.
I think the question you guys are trying to ask is whether Debian applies the same "reasonableness" with regard to use of its trademark as Mozilla is applying with regard to use of the Firefox trademark. I can't answer that, and to some extent it's a judgment call. You'd have to look back at any or all instances of Debian's denials -- specifically, at the reasons Debian cited for those denials -- and decide for yourself. I have seen accusations on a couple of blogs that Debian is being hypocritical in its position regarding Mozilla, but I've not seen anyone back that claim up with any analysis supporting that opinion. (And you know what people say about opinions ...).
But the mere fact that Debian *can* deny usage of its trademark does not, in and of itself, support the charge of hypocrisy. And on the face of it, I would say that Debian's general policy is more lenient and more reasonable than Mozilla's, for the simple reason that Debian does not require any up-front code review. That doesn't mean that Debian is necessarily always more reasonable than Mozilla is being.
-- Michael M. ++ Portland, OR ++ USA "No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream." --S. Jackson