Dell Trademarks The Future Internet
Reported in The Industry Standard, Dell is seeking a trademark on the term “cloud computing.” As we all know, cloud computing is a generic term used commonly to describe the use of software served remotely, also known as “web apps” or “software as a service” (abbreviated “SaaS”).
Dell already seems to have a trademark on “Dell Cloud Computing Solutions“, and few would argue that it’s not a legitimate use of trademark protection. But they apparently also feel the need to go after the more generic “cloud computing” mark.
Given the negative publicity this move will (and should) generate, it’s hard to understand what Dell is trying to accomplish here. At the very least, the USPTO should have thrown this application out based on the fact that cloud computing is a generic term in common usage already, but I’m guessing the legal eagles at the trademark office aren’t all that Web 2.0 savvy.
The current status of the trademark claim:
Opposition period completed, a Notice of Allowance has been issued.
UPDATE: Boing Boing Gadgets weighs in with “what a bunch of disgusting shysters“. Agreed!
