After more than 27,000 people signed our open letter to Oracle about the “JavaScript” trademark, we filed a formal Cancellation Petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Ten months in, we’re finally reaching the crucial discovery phase.
Deno initiated this petition since we have legal standing as a JavaScript runtime, but it’s really on behalf of all developers. If we win, “JavaScript” becomes public domain – free for all developers, conferences, book authors, and companies to use without fear of trademark threats.
We’re asking for your support through our GoFundMe campaign so we can put forward the strongest case possible.
Why $200k?
Because federal litigation is expensive. Discovery is the most resource-intensive stage of litigation, where evidence is collected and arguments are built.
We don’t want to cut corners – we want to make the best case possible by funding:
Professional public surveys that carry legal weight in front of the USPTO, proving that “JavaScript” is universally recognized as the name of a language, not Oracle’s brand.
that carry legal weight in front of the USPTO, proving that “JavaScript” is universally recognized as the name of a language, not Oracle’s brand. Expert witnesses from academia and industry to testify on JavaScript’s history, usage, and meaning.
from academia and industry to testify on JavaScript’s history, usage, and meaning. Depositions and records from standards bodies, browser vendors, and industry leaders showing Oracle has no role in the language’s development.
from standards bodies, browser vendors, and industry leaders showing Oracle has no role in the language’s development. Legal filings and responses to counter Oracle’s claims at every step.
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