[holger_marschall]

Dear FOAMers,

I feel very sorry to announce that I have been forced by OpenCFD® Limited to shut-down the "The FOAM Documentation Project" and to take its website off-line.

I had to take this step because of the actions that OpenCFD® Limited has enforced against me in person (threat of a cease and desist letter), my university resp. my department (even though this was a private project) and the OpenFOAM® discussion forum (threats of post deletion).

Over weeks, I tried to resolve the issue by communicating with OpenCFD® Limited. However, I did not get a response to the pivotal question of "How do I describe and name a project that documents OpenFOAM® without using the word OpenFOAM®?" other than the recommendation to consult an attorney and to conform to their trademark policy. At this point, I realised that finding an agreement is becoming very difficult.

After having consulted with an attorney about all issues I changed the name of the project to "The FOAM Documentation Project" (including website, domain name, LaTex templates, logo), added a disclaimer and changed the description. I replaced the word "OpenFOAM®" by "FOAM", "FOAM technology" and "FOAM technology covering its two distributions OpenFOAM® and OpenFOAM-dev" wherever this was practicable. However, OpenCFD® Limited's position is that the use of the word "FOAM" is prohibited under clause 11 of their trademark policy ("abbreviation of the name") and threatened me with the issue of a cease and desist letter.

I do not know what else to change, facing a financial loss, having troubles with my university and being completely baffled about OpenCFD®'s response to community contribution to OpenFOAM® - In short, I do not see any other way than to give up and shut-down the project in order to prevent further damage.

However, if you do or have any idea, please help!!! I am open for any discussion, hint or tip.

best regards,
Holger Marschall


Please note:
OpenFOAM® is a registered trademark of OpenCFD® Ltd. The FDP and this communication are not approved or endorsed by OpenCFD® Limited, the producer of the OpenFOAM® software and owner of the OpenFOAM® and OpenCFD® trademarks.