Speaking of questionable IP action, there’s this gem from Channel Register
Dell is attempting to trademark the tech industry’s favourite buzzword — “cloud computing”.
…Dell’s application has already reached the so-called “notice of allowance” stage, whereby a company is granted “written notification from the USPTO that a specific mark has survived the opposition period… and has consequently been allowed for registration”.
One more nail in Larry Lessig’s coffin.
[UPDATE] Reader Bruce Toal let us know in a comment today that the USPTO has decided to reconsider this application. Reading the status history on the application one finds:
2008-08-06 – Previous allowance count withdrawn
2008-08-06 – Case Returned To Examination
2008-08-05 – Notice of Allowance canceled
2008-07-08 – Notice of allowance – mailed
Note the change on 8/5. A victory for civil society. Thanks,Bruce.
Looks like someone rained on this application:
This page was generated by the TARR system on 2008-08-06 18:18:00 ET
Serial Number: 77139082 Assignment Information Trademark Document Retrieval
Registration Number: (NOT AVAILABLE)
Mark
(words only): CLOUD COMPUTING
Standard Character claim: Yes
Current Status: The Notice of Allowance for this application was canceled.
Date of Status: 2008-08-05
Filing Date: 2007-03-23
Transformed into a National Application: No
Registration Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)
Register: Principal
Law Office Assigned: LAW OFFICE 110
Attorney Assigned:
ELLINGER FATHY JESSICA M
Current Location: M1K -TMO Law Office 110 – Senior Attorney
Date In Location: 2008-08-06
Bruce – a victory for civil society! Thanks for pointing out the cancellation.