New name for Dataface

[shannah]

I have received a letter from Dataface incorporated, a software company in Texas asking me to discontinue the use of the name Dataface on my software.

I don't really see a point in fighting this since Dataface is free and open source. It costs $0 to change the name.

Any suggestions on a new name for the framework?

[Jean]

What a pity ! It is such an appropriate name for your soft. You could get something like speeddata (speed dating) or speedydata. It is so quick to build an app with it!
Jean

[Anthony Barber]

Hi Steve,
How about DataFrame.
Or KwikApp

[Jean]

datafront ?

[Jean]

datamuse, datapeer, datappear, datapeek, datadress, datatool...

[shannah]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. They're all good.
I have decided to meet with a lawyer to discuss the options, because, in thinking about it, I'd prefer to not have to change the name.

One of the things that concerns me is that they have demanded that I remove the word "Dataface" from all distributed materials. I need to check if this includes things like class names and function names in the source code . It would break any existing software built on the framework to make such a change, so I want to see if there's a way to fight.

[Anthony Barber]

Hi Steve,
As I see it they call themselves Dataface Incorporated and that is a company.
You have a program that is called Dataface that is a product and you do not use the word Incorporated, there can be no confusion. Therefore, they cannot stop you from using that name for one of your products.
Tony

[shannah]

Yeah.. that would make too much sense though.

The thing that they are sticking on is that they own the trademark DATAFACE in the US.

Foolishly I didn't register the trademark in Canada (where I am), and they just registered a couple of weeks ago. I'll be visiting a lawyer to check out my options. I may be able to file a statement of opposition to their Canada trademark claim, based on the fact the I have the first use of the term in Canada.

I'll wait to see what the lawyers say before doing anything rash though - as everything costs money when it comes to trademarks and the law.

[Anthony Barber]

Hi Steve,
Thanks for all the help today. The single page code works a treat.
I am so sorry that you are having this problem with the name.
What would they say if you called it Dataface4free?
Please keep us all informed.
All the best,
Tony

[shannah]

Glad to hear the code worked for you.

Unfortunately Dataface4free wouldn't be to their liking either. The letter I received can be viewed here:
http://www.sjhannah.com/blog/?p=111

The kicker being:

or any expression that comprises in whole or in part, our client’s trademark DATAFACE

Best regards

Steve

[Jean]

Steve,
Really sorry for that. I think you have some breathing space on something they did not make any deposit; above all, if your soft is very different.
Name is important but not so in comparison with the functions of your soft.
Anyway, if you need any testimonial, ask for it.
Why not call it datafake ?
Jean

[danw]

[quote="shannah"]The kicker being:

or any expression that comprises in whole or in part, our client’s trademark DATAFACE

Best regards

Steve

[ADobkin]

This is a real shame, and I'm sure it's a major hassle to change everything, especially twice (both now and when a new name is selected). That was also pretty slimy of the lawyers to register the trademark in Canada just before sending you the notice asserting that they use the name there too. Unfortunately, it's often not worth fighting things like this, which I imagine is why the name change has begun.

Let us know if there is anything we can do to help the cause....