[OSM-talk-be] GR en hiking

[Jan Herrygers]

Op zondag 26 augustus 2012 21:49:02 schreef u:
> Oh, that was easy. The name "GR" is protected:
> http://register.boip.int/bmbonline/details/trademark/show.do?markNumberType=
> REG&markNumber=151720&markID=199392
> 
> Also note that the services overlap (cartography), so we can't use that
> name as our reference or name on the relation without permission.
> 
> The routes can be added, but not under the name "GR".
> 

I'm not so sure about that. The OSM maps are clearly branded as OSM, so 
confusion between maps from OSM and maps from GR is not possible.
I wouldn't use the official GR logo, though.

Furthermore, we use the name to refer to routes that GR created.
It would be like a supermarket not being allowed to show a package of 
breakfast cereals in advertisement because the packing is trademarked. 
(perhaps they do have to get a license for that, I don't know)

Of course, advise from a trademark lawyer would be needed, and writing to the 
non-profit that manages the trademark in Belgium won't hurt either.

The way I thought trademark works, it doesn't matter if you use a name or logo 
for something completely different. Using the Ford logo to sell potting soil 
would still be a trademark violation.

In short, my question is: do we need a trademark license to refer to GR routes 
using their trademarked name? Can we post a question to the legal mailing 
list, or is this question already answered unambiguously elsewere?

Regards

Jan