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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.

11 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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    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")?

  3. Re:Humanity by PPH · · Score: 5, Funny

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

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    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. 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.

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  6. 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...

  7. 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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