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This may be a stupid question, but... "Can I use the 'Java' name in an open-source project?"
First thoughts:
I'm beginning work on an open-source project using the Java programming
language. I'm looking for information on use of the "Java" name. I'd
like to include the word "Java" or the letter "J" in my project name to indicate to other developers that this project is based on the Java
programming language.
What are the restrictions on using the word "Java" in third-party
software, Web site domain names, and so on?
For example, can I write an open-source toaster framework and call it
"JavaToast"? Can I then go out and set up a Web site at www.JavaToast.com? Can I call my development house JavaToast Inc.?
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If "Apple" is any indicator
2006-08-24 13:07:43 petenelson
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You may try to get away with implying that the "Java" in a name relates to the island, but I don't know if that legally could fly.
Just consider the trouble getting Beatles music on iTunes. The problem was that the Beatles had trademarked "Apple" as in Apple Records. The computer company had no trouble using the name "Apple", until they started dealing with music ... then suddenly, Apple + Music is owned by someone else.
If you had a company that offered pacific island travel, you could probably use "Java" in your name. If you made software for that travel agency, and used the word "Java" in your software product, you're probably open for a lawsuit.
What about 'for Java' ?
2006-08-11 14:22:47 antegram
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I am writing an IDE and it seems rather natural to me to explicitly mention the java name using the 'for java' mention. Especially because I plan to support additional languages using the same platform. Is that illegal too. Do i need to append TM to the word java and put a legal note every time saying java is a sun brand?
A workaround...
2006-08-11 04:02:04 bloid
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Make your program have a tenuous link to the island, or one of the other ambiguities, and you might just get away with it ;-)
consider the context
2006-08-10 23:10:19 jwenting
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Sun CAN come after you for trademark infringement if you use the word Java (or the official artwork or close derivatives) in your product name without getting their permission first.
That's why people have been so creative in thinking up ways to get around that, using just the J for example, or anything coffee related.
That does of course not mean Sun will come after you, only that they can. When there is no risk to their business (so when your product doesn't compete with anything they create or are possibly planning to create in the future) they probably will leave you alone unless you go and actively make claims about being "official" or "approved by Sun" or other such things.
But why take the risk? It's not as if your customers will pick your product solely because it has the word "Java" in the name (or most won't). And if you're creating a tool for Java developers you ARE potentially treading on Sun's market...
consider the context
2006-08-14 11:17:33 javalori
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There was no risk to Sun's business with my company name. I am a consultant, and I was mostly working in the Java space, helping people with Java projects. They came after me anyway. I reiterate - do NOT use Java in your product or company name. Period. It's not worth the hassle.
Java can not be an adjective
2006-08-10 13:31:31 davidvc
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I am also not a lawyer, but what I remember hearing was you can't use Java as an adjective (e.g. Java Football), but you can use it in other contexts (e.g. Football for Java or Java(TM)-Powered Football).
It's about confusion
2006-08-10 09:06:23 smbell
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IANAL, but this is what I understand about Trademark Law.
Having a trademark does not grant you total control/ownership of said phrase/word/image ect... It's about branding and marketplace confusion.
If you were to open up a new coffee shop and call it 'Java Hut', Sun would not have a leg to stand on if they tried to take you to court.
However software projects are a little different as you could argue that having the name Java implies endorsement from Sun, and that implication of endorsement would be a violation of the trademark (unless you actully had endorsement from Sun of course).
But for FOSS
2006-08-10 07:44:09 wfvoogd
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Sun seems not so cruel, since JavaSVN is a project which is around some time. I think Sun just is afraid that someone makes money using the Java word, but for FOSS project they're might even be proud, so that it shows that Java is a language that's 'alive'.
But only SUN knows... ;)
Sun will sic lawyers on you
2006-08-10 06:52:29 javalori
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Do not use Java in your name. Sun will sic a high-price lawyer on you. Unless you have an unlimited budget for legal representation, I would stay away from the word Java. This advice presented from painful experience - lori@dragonsharp.com, formerly lori@javadragon.com
Java as non-trademark
2006-08-10 06:28:27 wfvoogd
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Which leads me to a next question, can Java as a TM hold up in court? What if I'm actually from Java and call my codehouse JavaExperience, just referencing my location of birth, the fact that I'm also coding in Java is coincidental?
Can I trademark 'Florida'?
Java as non-trademark
2007-08-11 22:21:41 tq17188
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You are not allowed to use "Java" for software
2006-08-10 04:07:43 peterbecker
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As far as I understand, using the word "Java" in your product name is forbidden. IANAL, but that's how I read this document: http://www.sun.com/policies/trademarks/ , esp. the part about re-logoing. The letter "J" is not trademarked, though -- think about JBuilder, JDeveloper, JUnit, AspectJ and so on.
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