>>>> I have a few questions about OpenBSD's trademark policy. (I tried >>>> looking, but I couldn't find a document.) >>>> >>>> 1. What is OpenBSD's stance on allowing derivative distros to keep the >>>> name "OpenBSD" throughout the system? >>> >>> It's a ton of work to change the name. I'm curious why you want to >>> create a derivative distro? Besides all kinds of subtle breakage in >>> the base system, many ports will break/stop working properly. >> >> I agree entirely. For this reason, I think it would be best to keep >> system internals (e.g. uname, includes, etc.) using the name OpenBSD >> with only the main user-visible parts changed to a new name. > > Don't think too far ahead. but do talk to a lawyer if you decide to > try to publish a derivative. > > (I think you do understand that you have to leave the opyright notices > as they are, but that's not the worst of the problems. If you have the > money for an hour or two of consultation, you should find a good > lawyer to talk it over with. Won't solve every problem, but it will > leave you in a better position to seek solutions.)
I see your point, but I'm just wondering - if you are recommending that I get a lawyer, is that because such a distro would upset the OpenBSD community so much that someone would try to take legal action against me? I don't want to do anything that would hurt the community, so if feelings about this are that strong, then I won't do it. But really, I think that taking legal action over something like this is an overreaction. >> As for why I want to create the distro, I think that OpenBSD has >> excellent security, and I would like to create a version without the >> binary-only microcode included. > > The openbsd team has a pretty good track record at deciding which > binary blobs can be put up with. They also have a relatively good > track record with persuading companies to open up their source. > > Relatively. :-( > > I'm not sure, but I'd guess no one else in the libre/opensource > community can claim a better record. Agreed. Thanks for that! (Especially, I like Theo's method of screaming at manufacturers - because surprisingly, it *actually worked*.)
