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Dell Loses Bid To Trademark "Cloud Computing"

Posted by kdawson on from the answer-cloudy-try-again-later dept.

1sockchuck writes "The USPTO has issued a 'non-final determination' refusing Dell's request to trademark the term 'cloud computing' (we discussed the application earlier), finding that the term is generic and 'therefore incapable of functioning as a source-identifier for applicant's services.' According to Data Center Knowledge, 'Dell has the option of filing a response to submit arguments to dispute the USPTO examiner's findings.'" Here is the USPTO's ruling. A week and a half ago the PTO cancelled its 'notice of allowance' for the mark, a move little remarked upon at the time.

20 of 146 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Humanity by timmarhy · · Score: 4, Funny

    i've looked through my file and found you are in violation of my patent on the inhalation of air. please stop stifling innovation and pay my royalties you freedom hating commie.

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  2. too bad by schnikies79 · · Score: 5, Funny

    If they got it, no one else could use this worthless buzzword. Now everyone has a chance to launch cloud computing on the web 2.0 while hyping it in the blogosphere.

    *Sigh*

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    Gone!
    1. Re:too bad by Nefarious+Wheel · · Score: 4, Funny

      Cloud Computing? You mean they wanted to be *that* closely sssociated with vaporware?

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      Do not mock my vision of impractical footwear
    2. Re:too bad by Robert1 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Just wait till cloud computing supplants networking as everybody's favorite buzzword:

      "Hey Bob, yeah, I'm just cloudin' with some clients, be with you in a sec."

      "We have an impressive cloud infrastructure and our services can allow anyone to become more cloudy."

      It's going to happen! :(

      And of course, we can't forget the groan worthy puns from news agencies "Cloudy days ahead for Dell!" - ugh.

    3. Re:too bad by Koiu+Lpoi · · Score: 4, Funny

      I'd also like to point out that the Wikipedia Page lead me on a chain from that into Web 2.0, Tag clouds, and Folksonomy. I want to know two things: Who is actually using these buzzwords in real development work, and why are all the names so stupid (especially "folksonomy")?

    4. Re:too bad by Miseph · · Score: 3, Funny

      Q: How do you say 'goddamn idiot" in two words without just saying it?

      A: "Anonymous Coward"

      --
      Try not to take me more seriously than I take myself.
    5. Re:too bad by jd · · Score: 3, Funny

      Admit it, you're just clouding the issue. :) Incidentally, a cloud is just a crowd run on LISP.

      --
      It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
    6. Re:too bad by value_added · · Score: 3, Funny

      From most of the blogs I've seen, I think "clouded thinking" would be more appropriate.

    7. Re:too bad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Cloud Computing? You mean they wanted to be *that* closely sssociated with vaporware?

      Oh no! Snakes have invaded Slashdot.

    8. Re:too bad by kunwon1 · · Score: 2, Funny

      I have a speech impediment, you insensitive clod!

      --
      Specialization is for insects. -Heinlein
  3. Re:Humanity by PPH · · Score: 5, Funny

    Better yet: Patent farting and wait for them to explode.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  4. Slashdot Poll by Nymz · · Score: 4, Funny

    Shouldn't this be a Slashdot Poll question like "What is a less generic name for Cloud Computing?"

    a) Dell's Cloud Computing
    b) gEverything has it, or it doesn't exist
    c) Skynet's primary self awareness functions
    d) Cloudboy Neal

  5. Re:Humanity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    And the slashdot average for reading comprehension drops yet ANOTHER notch.

  6. The Scots already did this ... by ScrewMaster · · Score: 4, Funny

    It's called "McCloud Computing", and there's no point in copyrighting the name because there can be only one of them.

    --
    The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
    1. Re:The Scots already did this ... by KGIII · · Score: 2, Funny

      Could be worse, I'll have the mental images...

      --
      "So long and thanks for all the fish."
  7. Next trademark attempt - Clod Computing by tinrobot · · Score: 4, Funny

    i.e. - Computing for idiots.

    1. Re:Next trademark attempt - Clod Computing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      I'm a clod, you insensitive... um...

  8. Re:Humanity by msu320 · · Score: 5, Funny

    i've looked through my file and found you are in violation of my patent on the inhalation of air. please stop stifling innovation and pay my royalties you freedom hating commie.

    "Uh, prior art." - God

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    New slashdot layout sucks.
  9. Re:I can confirm this as well by initialE · · Score: 3, Funny

    What needs to be done is to burn their fields preemptively. You know, just in case.

    --
    Starbucks, Harbuckle of Breath.
  10. Re:In entirely unrelated news, by VGPowerlord · · Score: 2, Funny

    I thought it was Microsoft Cloud Server 2008.

    --
    GLaDOS for President 2016! "Well here we are again. It's always such a pleasure." -- GLaDOS, 2011