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NZ Developers Win 'Koha' Trademark Case
An anonymous reader writes "Horowhenua Libraries Trust has successfully challenged a 2011 decision to let American company Liblime PTFS trademark in New Zealand the word Koha, the name of its library management system. That application was approved by the then Ministry of Economic Development, a decision appealed by the Horowhenua Library Trust and software firm Catalyst IT. A judgment delivered by assistant commissioner of trademarks Jennie Walden found the two pieces of software were largely the same and that it was likely a 'substantial number' of people would be confused or deceived if Liblime used the Koha trademark." Here's a previous Slashdot article discussing the PTFS/Liblime's trademark application.
Something tells me this is gonna be a long, long day.
I mean if the native Horowhenua Library Trust and the Catalyst IT firm won then it's a great day to see New zealands independance from the US economic hegemon.
On the other hand *if they lost the appeal* to the Commissioner then New Zealands word would be in the news as people remarked on how they lost, and how the economic status of the US makes people afraid to challenge them.
can you tell us the meaning of the word Koha?
Koha is the Maori word for a gift or offering. Usually reciprocal in nature.
Something tells me this is gonna be a long, long day.
At this rate I might have to do some work!
At this rate I might have to do some work!
Yes! (I mean NOOO!)
There is Jersey and there is New Jersey !!
There is Hempshire and there is New Hempshire !!
There is York and there is New York and New New York !!
Where is Zealand? Or did they think no one would notice, being that they are in the middle of an ocean far from any civilization !!
Slashdot tip to brighten your day:
1. Get up.
2. Greet the first person you see with a compliment and a big smile.
3. If you're feeling adventurous give them a hug.
4. Report your findings here.
Good luck.
I did some work for the local RSL (Returned Services League of Australia) - they house a small military library which at the time was maintained by a part time librarian on maternity leave. She needed my help with a migration because Koha apparently worked better on a linux platform. Said it was the best software she had used, and that it has an excellent rep in librarian circles. The only other library software I'd previously helped maintain was Dynix, and that used to get plenty of eyerolls from the libarians.
...surprised that wasn't mentioned in the story.
If it were a slashdot tip it would include:
5. ?????
6. Profit!
Koha was developed by the Trust from the start. The decision to let a third party trademark the name was absurd from the start. I'm glad that the trademark was (eventually) rejected, and that LibLime had to pay costs. LibLime did provide paid support and development for Koha, but that doesn't mean they had any claim to the trademark. Especially as there are other companies that also provide support. (PS this new beta system is shit. The comment box is too small, and that picture is irrelevant to the story. Also, where the fuck did my paragraphs go? Do I have to manually insert them?)
It really does not metter if it is the common-language word. Look at SPINNING(tm). Then look at http://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soubor:Spinning_the_Bikes_1894.jpg and you will stop wondering. BTW SPINNING(tm) applies also to NZ. :-(
Well, I've got to get back to work. When I stop rowing, the slave ship just goes in circles.
No shit. Where's that thank you for being a friend guy when you need him?
(-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
This is important to certain sectors in NZ who are frustrated with foreign interests dissolving elements of the culture. There also the fear of US copyright and trademark approaches being forced by the TPP.
And they charge top dollar for absolutely shit support. It's too bad PTFS/LibLime poured all this money into trademark lawsuits instead of putting it into client support.
Koha itself is great when free or cheap. It's not as robust as normal commercial library systems software, but times are hard and a lot of libraries have had to make do with cheaper alternatives... like Koha or the Liblime Fauxha.
It's like a lot of open source software - it's not that it's the best software but it may be the only alternative you can afford.