The Python Software Foundation recently went public with a battle against a company in Europe that was trying to claim a trademark over the name used for more than two decades by one of the world's most popular programming languages.
Just a little over a month later, the Python Software Foundation has won the dispute. The other company, PO Box Hosting, was offering cloud server and backup services under the name Python. PO Box Hosting was also seeking a figure trademark over a logo with the word "Python" in it. The Python Software Foundation has a registered trademark in the US, but it did not get one in Europe for financial reasons. However, trademarks can be asserted based on use and recognition of a name, even if it's not registered with a trademark office.
The Python Software Foundation initially said PO Box Hosting "blew us off," but PO Box changed its tune once the foundation opposed PO Box's trademark application and rallied users of Python to provide evidence that the word "Python" is associated with the programming language.
Under the terms of the settlement announced Monday, PO Box "has withdrawn its trademark filing and has agreed to support the Python Software Foundation's use of the term," the foundation said. "The amicable agreement reached between the two sides will result in a rebranding of Veber's Python cloud server and backup services, which continue to be available at http://www.veber.co.uk." Previously, the services were available at python.co.uk, but no longer. Veber is the name PO Box trades under in stock markets.
"We are happy to come to an agreement with Veber," Python Software Foundation Chairman Van Lindberg said in the announcement. "What the PSF wants most is to support the global community of Python developers. To Veber's credit, they were willing to recognize the Python brand without protracted negotiations. We are grateful for Veber's support and we wish them luck in their business."
Python is an open source programming language created in 1991. It's popular with beginners and experienced programmers alike in fields such as scientific computing and professional animation. It's also often used to build Web applications, and it was used to create the Eucalyptus and OpenStack cloud computing platforms.
To prevent such disputes in the future, the Python Software Foundation now has a pending application for a European trademark.
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