Settlement reached in Python trademark dispute

The Python Software Foundation (PSF) has announced that it has reached a settlement with PO Box Hosting, who also trade as Veber, over the latter's use of the name Python and application to trademark Python. The Python Software Foundation called for help in fighting the application in February.

Although most responded with support and information to help the Foundation block the application, the Foundation found it had to put out a call for civility as some had taken to sending threatening emails to Veber and engaging in other disruptive acts. After that, the PSF was soon able to return to good faith negotiations with Veber, which has resulted, a month later, in the settlement.

Veber has agreed to rebrand its cloud server and backup service under a new name at a yet to be determined date. Veber has withdrawn its application for the trademark and has "agreed to support the Python Software Foundation's use of the term". It is unclear if the Foundation plans to apply for the European Python trademark; it already retains a US trademark on the Python name. "What the PSF wants most is to support the global community of Python developers", said Van Lindberg, chair of the PSF. "To Veber's credit, they were willing to recognize the Python brand without protracted negotiations".

(djwm)