Ryan Dahl Takes on Oracle Over JavaScript Trademark

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Ryan Dahl, the creator of Node.js and Deno, is challenging Oracle’s hold over the “JavaScript” trademark in what could be a landmark case for the developer community. Dahl argues that Oracle’s ownership of the term is legally and practically unjustified, considering the widespread use of “JavaScript” as a generic term for the programming language.

The Core of the Dispute

Despite not actively contributing to the development of JavaScript, Oracle still holds the trademark. Dahl’s legal action is focused on two key points:

1. Abandonment: He argues that Oracle has not actively enforced the trademark, essentially allowing it to become generic. Given that JavaScript is universally recognized as the language of the web, it should not be controlled by a single entity
2. Genericness: The term “JavaScript” has become so embedded in the programming world that it no longer functions as a proprietary trademark. Dahl’s case highlights how developers, companies, and educational institutions use “JavaScript” freely without associating it with Oracle

The Fraud Allegation

An additional aspect of Dahl’s case is an accusation of fraud. He contends that Oracle has…