Linux Mark Institute
The Linux Mark Institute (LMI ) - also: Linux Trademark Institute - is an organization based in Oregon (USA ), which was established to enforce the trademark for the name Linux and to grant licenses for the use of the name.
Task
In contrast to the Linux Foundation, which cares primarily about the coordination of the technical development of the Linux kernel, the Linux Trademark Institute is used for marketing and legal protection of the name Linux.
History
In the years 1994 and 1995 had various individuals and companies in various countries - in some cases successfully - to register for themselves the brand name "Linux". Because of these entries and the related rights they wanted from the company that led the "Linux " in the name, to demand royalties. Since many developers and supporters of the Linux community did not agree, Linus Torvalds was using Linux internationally against these entries before and got the Linux mark awarded ( in Germany and the USA). After receiving the trademark Linux International managed this. Later Mark Institute was founded for this purpose the Linux.
License model
In 2000, Linus Torvalds set out the general rules for the granting of the licenses. These state that anyone who offers a product or service with the name Linux, have a license for it and must therefore buy. Exceptions are non-commercial uses which receive a free license or do not need. Now, however, all licenses are free and unlimited validity in time. The granting of a license is subject to the condition that the licensee Linus Torvalds ' ownership of the name recognize this fact not legally contest and authorship Torvalds mark at the appropriate place.