Resolution 2004-01-05.bmh.1: Norwegian Debian Trademark

January 5th, 2004

At its last meeting the Board of Directors accepted the resolution below.

Whereas

  1. In resolution 2003-06-03.bmh.1[1], the board of directors of Software in the Public Interest, Inc. ("SPI") authorized the creation of a trademark committee to investigate the current use of the SPI trademark and make recommendations for future policy and use. In the same resolution, the board authorized the trademark committee to retain the law firm of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton for trademark related work as described in the resolution.

  2. A new foundation known as Stiftelsen SLX Debian Labs (the "Foundation") has been established in Norway to promote the use and values of Free Software in the Norwegian educational system and to sponsor the Debian-Edu subproject.

  3. The Board, on behalf of and after consultation with the Debian project, believes it would be in the best interest of the Debian project to permit the Foundation to use the Debian name and logos in Norway subject to a customary trademark license agreement (the "License Agreement").

  4. Ms. Astri Lund and Mr. Felix Reimers of the law firm Grette in Oslo, Norway have generously offered to assist SPI, on a pro bono basis, in registering the DEBIAN name and logos as trademarks in Norway, and in drafting the License Agreement.

  5. The costs of registering a trademark in Norway, given pro bono assistance from Grette, will be approximately USD 275 per class of mark or approximately USD 550 for the registration of the DEBIAN name and one logo.

It is resolved

  1. That, as recommended by the trademark committee, the board shall retain the law firm of Grette, on a pro bono basis, to work with Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton on obtaining registered trademarks in Norway for the DEBIAN name and logos, as shall be authorized by the Debian Project Leader working in consultation with the trademark committee.

  2. that each of the officers and directors of SPI, Inc. is hereby authorized to negotiate and enter into the License Agreement on behalf of SPI, Inc., in a form to be approved by the Debian Project leader.

  3. that the Debian Project Leader may authorize expenditures of up to $700 for any expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing, and that additional funds may be provided by the Foundation or another third party.