O'Reilly and CMP Exercise Trademark on 'Web 2.0'

theodp writes "On May 16, the USPTO notified CMP Media, which co-presents the Web 2.0 Conference with O'Reilly, that its trademark for Web 2.0 was entitled to be registered. Eight days later, CMP sicced its lawyers on not-for-profit IT@Cork, taking the networking organization to task for not only using the term Web 2.0 for its free conference, but also for linking to a What is Web 2.0 article penned by Tim O'Reilly." It should be noted that their trademark only applies to the titles of industry events (CMP is a show organizer).

Dibs

[eldavojohn]

In an effort to curb the misuse of my technological terms by the industry, I am now trademarking Web 3.0, Web 4.0, Web 5.0, Web 6.0, Web 7.0, Web 8.0, Web 9.0, Web 1337.0, Web 69.0 and Web Pi.

Web 3.0-9.0 refer to the idea of websites being more and more progressively interactive with the user. The final, Web 9.0, requiring electrodes implanted in your brain so you actually walk between websites and are subject to the sounds & smells of the internet. It is not advised to use 9.0 if you don't have adequate protection against script kiddies.

Web 1337.0 refers to the idea that websites should be covered in flying toasters and dancing Jesuses and massive abuse of blinking marquee tags.

I'd describe the other Web x.0s but then Slashdot would be linked to those descriptions and I would be obligated to sue the OSTG.

This is an unfortunate but necessary move on my part to protect the idea of these terms. On what grounds do I register these trademarks? I have meme maps! And I'm not afraid to publish them!

I have the solution

[Anonymous Coward]

I am now creating Web 2.1 and releasing it under a full open creative commons license. Use it however you want.

Web 2.0 is now deprecated.

Well then...

[gowen]

I recommend we commence immediately on Web 3.0, which is exactly like Web 2.0, only spelt differently.

Oh yea?

[rev_sanchez]

My conference is going to be Web 2.1 Service Pack 1 Release Candidate 3 Build 5781 and all of those guys are going to feel quite the fool.

"only applies to the titles of industry events"

[timeOday]

I'll believe that when I see it. I know the law says trademarks are compartmentalized, but go start a landscaping business named "Microsoft" and tell me how it goes.

OH RLY?

[aapold]

And the answer isn't YEAH RLY!

Dibs 2.0

[i_want_you_to_throw_]

And now I am trademarking "Web Infinity" and "Web Infinity + 1"

Re:Dibs

[Sponge Bath]

I am now trademarking... Web Pi.

I think you are being irrational.

Wonderful

[Gruuk]

If we can't use "Web 2.0", what alternatives can we use?

Maybe "New Web II: Electric Boogaloo" would do the trick.

Re:Well then...

[sharkey]

You see, it's SPELLED "Web 2.0", but it's PRONOUNCED "Throat-Wobbler Mangrove".

Cool

[drew]

While normally I'm not a big fan of trademark silliness, in this case I wholeheartedly approve. Maybe now the stupid meme will finally die.

Now, if only we could get somebody to trademark the term "AJAX".

Re:OH RLY?

[BaltikaTroika]

You must be lost.

It seems that you're looking for http://digg.com/ [digg.com].

Re:Dibs

[iamlucky13]

The constant appearance of pun-chains like this one make me feel like we're going in circles.

Re:Dibs

[__aaclcg7560]

Sorry but "slow news day at Slashdot" has already been trademarked. Although "slow day at work" is still available if you're interested. ;)

Re:Dibs

[mypalmike]

You shouldn't trademark pi. It's just not natural.

Re:Dibs

[sconeu]

I think he's being a bit transcendental.

I'm going to trademark Web aleph-null and Web aleph-one.

Now at Borders

[widget54]

"Litigation in a nutshell"

Re:Dibs

[kfg]

The other day I noticed some grafitti on an abandoned shop window:

"God is unreal"

I added under it:

"No he's not. He's just irrational"

Although I'd guess that few random people on the street will get it the way intended.

KFG

Re:Dibs

[jc42]

I'm going to trademark Web aleph-null and Web aleph-one.

Well, I'm going to trademark all the names between those.

O'Reilly "Original Web 2.0 Asshole" Graphic

[Thomas Hawk]

Get your own "Tim O'Reilly, Original Web 2.0 Asshole" graphic here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/153656919/ [flickr.com] It's Creative Commons licensed and all, feel free to use it all you like!

Re:Dibs

[Dan D.]

This is getting infinitely rediculous.

Naw, White Wolf has prior art.

[geekotourist]

Think White Wolf has dibs here: can't see much difference... Digital Web 2.0" [amazon.com]

• Bunch of geeks talking about how the magic is back? Check
• Big crash not too long ago in the backhistory? Check
• Now the rules have changed? Check
• The right combination of arcane tools will bring about fame and fortune? Check

It's easier for us Fortran programmers.

[Richard Steiner]

God is REAL unless declared INTEGER. Simple. :-)

changelog

[hakr89]

Web 2 Changelog

Version 2.0.1
2006-05-26
* Bumped version number to make trademark a moot point.

Version 2.0
2006-05-25
* Trademark Registered by O'Reilly.