[osg-users] The naming of VulkanSceneGraph

[Maurizio Vitale]

>
> If the branding is very distinct, and the word itself isn't something that
> can be owned as there is lots of prior art in active use
>

well the case of Apple (computer) vs Apple (the music company) was very
similar: a common word and very different industries (at the time Apple was
not in the music/multimedia industry).
And the losers even had the name before Apple Computers was a thing.
IANAL, but I would bet that using Vulkan in the name is not going to be ok.

Maurizio

On Thu, Jun 21, 2018 at 11:46 AM Robert Osfield <robert.osfield at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi Chris,
>
>
>   I am not a lawyer, but I think this is in a muddy area and it concerns
>> me. I don't think anyone here can answer this, probably the only way to
>> know is to ask Khronos directly for their interpretation in writing. But I
>> suspect the answer will be "find a different name that doesn't embed the
>> Vulkan" word mark".
>>
>>   Just hoping to avoid future pain here. I can reach out to Khronos if
>> that is what seems best to do.
>>
>
>
> The of registered trademarks is something that I have considered, but
> haven't official request permission from Khronous.  My plan is not to use
> the Vulkan logo colour, font or style in the VulkanSceneGraph logo, not
> that I've really thought too much about that, other than don't be like
> Vulkan.  Branding similar to the OpenSceneGraph would probably make sense
> as they part of the same family.  If we have to then VulcanSceneGraph would
> a bit naff fallback.
>
> If the branding is very distinct, and the word itself isn't something that
> can be owned as there is lots of prior art in active use, then I would have
> thought while a lawyer might say ohh absolutely not, in practice I suspect
> they would be unlikely to be able to defend it court.
>
> Within Khronos I suspect there will be a range of views.  Having a
> professional grade scene graph being developed explicitly on top of Vulkan
> is an asset to Vulkan adoption and promotion.  If Kronous want Vulkan to
> break out beyond the game market early adopters then the VulkanSceneGraph
> will be a great vehicle for it.  I could see that some within Khronos might
> concerned that it might be viewed as Khronos project and would detract from
> their own mission, but I'd hope this would be in the minority - or at least
> it should be as Vulkan really needs a professional grade scene graph to
> achieve widespread adoption, and having the Vulkan name in there will a
> great advert for it.
>
> I did look at the costs of trademarking VulkanSceneGraph myself but the
> for worldwide it's several tens of thousands of $ so I decided against it.
>
> I had considered finding a friendly Khronos member to introduce the
> project to with the hope that they would advocate the project.  If I were
> attending Siggraph this is when I'd do it. I am open to others taking on
> this role if they already have a good working relationship with members of
> Khronos.
>
> Getting an official OK from Khronos would be something more challenging
> and definitely require getting involved with some kinda of committee
> discussion.  Having something tangible to discuss in terms of prototype
> code and design document could be useful in this process so they can have a
> bit of confidence that the project is an asset rather than a risk.  I am
> obviously a few months away from this.
>
> Cheers,
> Robert.
>
>
>
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