Re: Community Input Requested on Trustees' Intent to Renounce "IETF Secretariat" Trademark

[Ray Pelletier <[e-mail]>]

On Apr 6, 2014, at 9:17 AM, Abdussalam Baryun <[e-mail]> wrote:

> Hi Ray,
> 
> my questions below,
> 
> On 4/4/14, IETF Administrative Director <[e-mail]> wrote:
>> All;
>> 
>> The Trustees of the IETF Trust have voted an intent to renounce (abandon)
>> the "IETF Secretariat"
>> trademark, but before taking any action they desire to hear from the
>> community.
> 
> What is this hearing status like? is it like if the community reply
> was: *no* don't do that, then they as trustees will change their mind,
> or is it, just hearing. I am not sure if my input has any value in
> this community request.

The responsibility of the Trustees is to “consult” with the community.  There may
be reasons the Trustees hadn’t heard of or considered for not taking this 
particular action. 

> 
> If IETF is not active in using its trademarks in business, then why
> the trustees don't think in different directions. Was IETF trademarks
> used in US and Europe and the result was not good, we need information
> to know what is happening?

The reason for this action is that it is unnecessary to protect “IETF Secretariat”
because “IETF” is protected.  

> 
> My thoughts is that we may get benefits from IETF trademarks in
> future, so if the trustees decide now to leave it, could they
> establish it any time by thoes governments registrations?

The Trustees could apply for trademark protections in the future.

> I am not a
> legal expert person but for international organisation like IETF is it
> possible to get registrations at UN or any other authority that may
> make discounts?

One has to apply for trademark protections all over the world.
“IETF” is registered in Australia, Canada, China, European Community, Japan, Korea, 
Norway, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand, South Africa,
Taiwan, and the United States.

Ray


> 
> Thanks
> 
> AB
>