namespace protection compatible with the OSD?

[Brian Behlendorf]

On Thu, 19 Apr 2001, Rod Dixon, J.D., LL.M. wrote:
> I am sorry about joining the discussion late. This sounds interesting.
> Brian, do you mind clarifying your question without rehashing what has been
> discussed? I do not want to bore those who have followed the thread, but
> what do you mean by "implement" and what is the concern you are raising?

I was wondering if there was a way, compatible with the Open
Source Definition as well as acceptable to others in the community, to
create a copyright license for an API specification that helps ensure
compatibility of derivative works.  If the GPL's ethos is "access to
source code is paramount", this one's would be "compatibility between
implementations is paramount".  To try and recap the main argument
against, it was suggested trademarks could be used to enforce that API,
but I still suspect it is too blunt an instrument, since its
enforceability relies upon unwavering strictness on the part of the
trademark holder, and is on less tested ground legally.

	Brian