Cloud service provider PO Box Hosting attempted to register the trademark for the word python in Europe last year and was met with resistance from the Python Software Foundation (PSF).
The PSF believes that the Python language used by programmers would be put under threat if PO Box Hosting was to be successful as it could accuse users of infringing the trademark.
It did not look likely that a resolution would happen any time soon as both parties were apparently having problems in getting together to talk about the issue.
However, the dispute has since been resolved amicably, with PO Box Hosting – which trades as Viber in Europe – withdrawing its trademark filing. It has also agreed to fully support the PSF’s use of the term.
The PSF owns the trademark for the use of the word in the U.S. but failed to register it in Europe due to not being aware of these kinds of trademarking issues.
“At that time we weren’t looking a lot at trademark issues, and so we didn’t get that domain,” the foundation wrote on its blog after PO Box Hosting attempted to register the trademark.
It submitted its own registration on February 6th 2013, but it is unknown whether or not it will continue to pursue it.
The agreement will result in a rebranding of Veber’s Python cloud server and backup services, which will be offered under a new name that is yet to be determined.
Managing Director of PO Box Hosting and Veber Tim Poultney said: “The use of the Python name for our cloud server and backup business has ceased with the services now available in Europe from Veber. This agreement will remove potential confusion between the Python software language and our cloud services business.”
This trademark dispute highlights the importance of being aware of the laws surrounding them. Not having the rights to a trademark can result in someone else picking it up and forcing other organisations to cease using it and this can have a big impact on brand protection.