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From: lapoint@BRL.ARPA (Claude Lapointe)
Newsgroups: net.unix-wizards
Subject: Re:  Unix as a trademark
Message-ID: <2303@brl-smoke.ARPA>
Date: Wed, 2-Apr-86 08:40:37 EST
Article-I.D.: brl-smok.2303
Posted: Wed Apr  2 08:40:37 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 5-Apr-86 08:30:59 EST
Sender: news@brl-smoke.ARPA
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I wish to ignite no flames. Please do not respond to this message, we've
had too much trademark nonsense already. I admit my own guilt by sending
this message. It is, however, my first and my last on the subject.

I believe 1LT to be at least partially in error as to the reason aspirin
is now in the public domain -- recall that it belonged to Bayer, AG,
and that the US government did several nasty things to that company
because of its association with a certain then-hostile power.

I note that, whether we like it or not, whether we think it is right or
not, (whether cows fly or not, for that matter) the character string
UNIX is property. Our government and our society, despite their failings
(make your own choices here) maintain that property can be owned, and
support the rights of owners. How would 1LT like it if people deliberately
made a thoroughfare of his front lawn, intending that it eventually
fall into the public domain?

Finally, I note that we have here an example of a commissioned officer
of the United States government recommending, while he is acting in his
official capacity (after all, he was using government facilities to
which he has access by virtue of his duties), that a group of people
act in a manner which, if not actually illegal, is at least unethical.