RE: What exactly does "supports Linux" mean?

Riley Williams
2003-05-14T07:44:49Z

Hi.

> This is really a trademark related labelling issue. The trademark
> allows Linus or his assignee to specify in what way Linux (tm) may
> be used in labelling and advertising. Linux is just like other
> products with third-party parts and supplies. If Linus's assignee
> (Linux international?) where to specify explicit guidelines then
> people would know what to expect. Something like:
>
> Linux certified:
> The mainline kernel has a driver and it has been certified
> as functioning with this hardware by OSDL or some other
> officially sanctioned lab.
>
> Linux supported:
> The mainline kernel has a driver.

Fine so far.

> Linux compatible:
> Source code driver is available as a patch.

In other words, if a patch is available for the 1.0.0 kernel, they
can claim "Linux compatible" ??? That's meaningless...replace with
something like...

Linux 2.2.2 compatible:
Source code driver is available as a patch for the stated
mainline kernel.

...with the specific version to be made explicit. As a minimum, it
needs to state the actual kernel series the patch is for.

> Runs on Linux:
> A binary only driver is available that can be used with
> mainline kernel.

Similar comments apply. Again, require that the kernel that driver
works with is made explicit.

> Supports Linux:
> A portion of the purchase price will be donated to
> Linux International.

So a company provides a product for $5,000.00 and donates $0.01 of
the purchase price to the specified organisation, thus entitling
themselves to say "Supports Linux" by this rule. Can I suggest
this alternative definition:

Supports Linux:
At least 1% of the purchase price will be donated to
Linux International.

> You will notice this all relates to mainline kernels (Linus and
> Marcello). If the product requires a vendor kernel they need to
> negotiate with the vendor to say so.

Agreed.

> These are just suggestions. Many other products (including MS
> windows) have similar labelling restrictions, often with logos.
> Use of the term "Linux" in packaging or advertising or products
> inconsistent with the official designations would be trademark
> infringement.

Agreed.

> Different rules would apply to products that exist strictly in
> user-space.

That's not necessary - just define:

Runs under Linux:
This product work on a system based on a mainline Linux
kernel without making any modification to the kernel
itself or loading any kernel modules.

That is all that is required there.

Best wishes from Riley.
---
* Nothing as pretty as a smile, nothing as ugly as a frown.

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