“The United States-based body responsible for protecting the ‘Linux’ name appears to be making a renewed push to register it as a trademark in Australia. The nation’s intellectual property regulator, IP Australia, turned down an initial bid by local body Linux Australia to register the name on behalf of Linux creator Linux Torvalds in September 2005, saying the name was not distinctive enough to be trademarked. But the US-based Linux Mark Institute, which acts for Torvalds worldwide appears to be in the process of appealing the decision.”
Can some one createan OS called only “Linux”, with Tux as the logo? This would be an official Linux, or rather “THE” official Linux OS.
Would it be legal?
Not without the permission of the legal owners of the trademark.
Not unless you’re in Australia, mate.
<…>the name on behalf of Linux creator Linux Torvalds in September 2005, saying…
As far as I know creator of Linux OS was Linus Torvalds and not Linux Torvalds.
If “Linux” isn’t distinctive enough, how does Microsoft trademark “Windows”? O_o Or does it (in Australia)?
Maybe there are just some differences in how Australians view trademarks that we are missing. Then again, maybe they just did not bribe the right people. . .