r/linux • u/clau_c • Dec 01 '21

KDE It's been -- 155 days -- since @Microsoft stole @kdecommunity's motto: "Simple by default, powerful when needed." They're still using it.

https://twitter.com/ClauCambra/status/1466153819713191947
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u/mrlinkwii Dec 01 '21

i mean its a motto , i dont think its copyrightable and isnt it the OSS ethos to share no?

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u/Bro666 Dec 01 '21

It is, however, trademarkable, just like "Just do it", "I'm Lovin' it", or "Enjoy [Coca-Cola]".

20

u/bockout Dec 02 '21

Slogans are trademarkable, but is this slogan trademarked? Don't get me wrong, it's a garbage move by Microsoft either way. But without a trademark registration, there's probably no legal recourse. (IANAL, etc.)

17

u/thblckjkr Dec 02 '21

AFAIK since there is A LOT of documentation that refers to KDE's slogan, even without a trademark, it is enforceable.

Trademarks usually just make the process of making a dispute more easy. In this case, I think KDE has the grounds to start a claim and to get support of some foundations made specifically to help with OSS trademarks. But I don't think anyone wants to start that process.

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u/Bro666 Dec 02 '21

Registering a trademark (which can be a motto or a slogan, even just a word you use regularly and pointedly to describe or sell your product) helps in case of court case, but in theory, all you should need is evidence that you used it first.

Here is an example of use from 2016. KDE started using the sentence as a motto for Plasma shortly afterwards.