Can I use the Storm Linux name?

Vampirite · 12-18-2005, 11:58 AM

I am planning on using 'Storm Linux' for my own distribution's name, but I have heard it existed before. My backup was the name 'Stormix' but that also existed before alongside 'Storm Linux'.

I had thought of these names aaages ago but I've only recently realised they existed before. Which is quite annoying.

Will I be able to use this name? Or is it used, copyrighted etc already?

Thanks,

Kourosh

XavierP · 12-18-2005, 12:42 PM

Well, according to http://distrowatch.com/?newsid=00001#0 Stormix ceased in 2001. I would say that the name is probably fair game, but could cause some confusion. If you are really keen on using the name, I would make every effort to track down the original developers and, if you can't find them, make sure you make it clear on your website that if they do still own the name that you will be happy to change it.

Not much else you can do and still remain fair.

Vampirite · 12-18-2005, 12:50 PM

Suppose so...I just like the name so much and can't really think of a good alternative.

If something goes wrong I'll switch to my other backup!

XavierP · 12-18-2005, 01:10 PM

Possibly also a good idea to contact www.distrowatch.com and make them aware both of the fact of your distro and that it's not the Storm Linux that became Stormix. All bases covered, I think.

Maybe also check the copyright office (?) to see if the name was ever copyrighted.