SparkFun being hassled by SPARC and Sun

[Dave Flowerday]

Originally Posted by kmitchell

Sparc International is actually a non-profit entity that owns the Sparc architecture, trademarks, etc. They have a membership of over 30 companies with a couple of big ones being Sun Microsystems, Fujitsu, Toshiba, and Motorola.

I wanted to look at their page of partners, but I can't browse their website because it has been flagged as containing malware (maybe they should replace their lawyers with some IT people?). But obviously, Sun is the major user of the SPARC architecture. They are most closely tied to SPARC, regardless of the specific arrangement of their relationship.

This looks more like an example of "aggressively" defending their trademark which pushes them right to the edge of absurd. Rather than considering not to use a particular company's product it may work better to contact some of the member companies and voice your disapproval of the actions of their group's lawyers. I suspect this may have a more desirable effect.

I don't dispute their right to attempt to defend their mark, and frankly I'm sure this is just a case of a lawyer overstepping their mandate. Realistically, though, there is historical evidence in many similar cases that shows that the only way companies abandon these stupid tactics is by public outcry and pressure from customers. Since I posted this here, I've found the story now on just about every technology-related news site out there. Do you think Sun will take notice of the fact that a company that they're tied very closely to just ticked off 1000s of people who are in the field (and many who might be involved with purchasing decisions)? I think they will, and I bet they can reign in SPARC International. On the other hand, if I contact SPARC, what difference will that make? I'm not in the market for any microprocessor designs anytime soon, and they would know that. They have no incentive to listen to me, but they have incentive to listen to Sun.