Re: Kona Coffee Issues update

pure kona <kona@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

because it
would " jeopardize many established trademarks in Hawaii

You may have discussed this before but could a combination of trademark
and verifiable serial number be used?

What I'm suggesting is a trademark symbol for 100% Kona and another for
51% or better might be researched and recorded. This is not a trival
effort because it needs to be unique. However, once legally established,
it becomes a seal or stamp for certified kona growers but that is not
enough. Trademark thieves are not stupid and will try to make a
knockoff. A fractal flower comes to mind.

The second step is to public-key, private-key authentication with a web
front-end. What this means is a set of numbers and letters similar to
the software validation keys, would be printed with each bag of kona.
Unique serial numbers that are validated at the web site. This is the
'hard' trademark that would defeat the trademark thieves.

A trademark is a two-edged, legal sword. Once registered it is subject
to attack and requires a legal defense. It could easily sustain a dozen
lawyers and that is money taken away from product.

The software key approach does not require a legal defense, it is
technical. It does require careful design but it is not that difficult,
especially in a world of text enabled, cell phones. The tricky part is
'getting the word out' ... not a problem in a world with Mr. Google.

Bob Wilson


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Relevant Pages

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