Official:Kodi name change FAQ - Revision history

Karellen at 21:37, 4 January 2024

2024-01-04T21:37:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:37, 4 January 2024
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	== The big one: WHY are you changing the name?! ==		== The big one: WHY are you changing the name?! ==

	* {{bigger\|A few reasons, actually. {{u\|'''[~~http~~://~~xbmc~~.~~org~~/introducing-kodi-14/ Be sure to read our full announcement post by clicking here.]'''}} }}		* {{bigger\|A few reasons, actually. {{u\|'''[https://kodi.tv/article/xbmc-getting-new-name-introducing-kodi-14/ Be sure to read our full announcement post by clicking here.]'''}} }}
	* We've actually been considering a name change as a possibility for years, but never got around to it.		* We've actually been considering a name change as a possibility for years, but never got around to it.
	* Finally cut the lingering connections to the old Xbox.		* Finally cut the lingering connections to the old Xbox.

Karellen at 04:38, 13 July 2020

2020-07-13T04:38:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:38, 13 July 2020
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	== Can the new Kodi name be used in websites and other communities or products? ==		== Can the new Kodi name be used in websites and other communities or products? ==

	* See '''[[~~XBMC~~:Trademark_Policy_index\|here]]''' for our new trademark usage policy.		* See '''[[Official:Trademark_Policy_index\|here]]''' for our new trademark usage policy.

	== How did you come up with the new name? What does it mean? ==		== How did you come up with the new name? What does it mean? ==
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	[[Category:FAQ]]		[[Category:FAQ]]
			[[XBMC_Foundation]]

Ned Scott: /* How did you come up with the new name? What does it mean? */

2014-11-26T03:32:44Z

How did you come up with the new name? What does it mean?

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:32, 26 November 2014
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	* We considered a TON of names. We had a number of requirements for the new name, such as being reasonably pronounceable in various languages and not be a mouth full to say, not be used as a trademark for someone else's media-related product, be easy to remember, etc. The group came up with a list of names and had our lawyer go over them. We then got back a smaller list that had been checked for various legal issues, and then we voted on the final name.		* We considered a TON of names. We had a number of requirements for the new name, such as being reasonably pronounceable in various languages and not be a mouth full to say, not be used as a trademark for someone else's media-related product, be easy to remember, etc. The group came up with a list of names and had our lawyer go over them. We then got back a smaller list that had been checked for various legal issues, and then we voted on the final name.
	* We wanted to work the word "code" in there and optionally be able to use playback control symbols to "spell" out the name (such as previous, stop (or play), next) so that the name/logo would have a connection to the software while still being unique.		* One idea was we wanted to work the word "code" in there and optionally be able to use playback control symbols to "spell" out the name (such as previous, stop (or play), next) so that the name/logo would have a connection to the software while still being unique.
	* The letters "KODI" are not an acronym, nor is it supposed to be a person's name.		* The letters "KODI" are not an acronym, nor is it supposed to be a person's name.
	* Like a lot of software products, the name might not have a "direct" meaning, such as Firefox or Chrome, until the software itself defines the meaning by association. In other words, if Kodi doesn't sound like a media center application ''right now'', that's just because no one else has used it that way, duh.		* Like a lot of software products, the name might not have a "direct" meaning, such as Firefox or Chrome, until the software itself defines the meaning by association. In other words, if Kodi doesn't sound like a media center application ''right now'', that's just because no one else has used it that way, duh.

Ned Scott: /* There are other companies/organizations called Kodi. What about them? */

2014-11-02T21:55:47Z

There are other companies/organizations called Kodi. What about them?

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:55, 2 November 2014
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	* Nope. While the Xbox-roots of the XBMC name were still a concern for us, and one of the reasons we wanted to change the name, Microsoft has never contacted us about doing so.		* Nope. While the Xbox-roots of the XBMC name were still a concern for us, and one of the reasons we wanted to change the name, Microsoft has never contacted us about doing so.

	== ~~There are~~ other ~~companies/~~organizations called Kodi~~. What about them~~? ==		== What about other organizations called Kodi? ==
	* The XBMC Foundation and our lawyer are aware of other organizations that use the name "Kodi". For example, a discount store chain in Germany is called "KODi". This is not an issue, as trademarks only apply to specific markets. For example, anyone could sell hotdogs under the name Kodi and it wouldn't violate our trademark, because selling food is a different market than software media players or home theater related products. Customers wouldn't be confused about buying the hot dog and expecting to watch movies on said hot dog.		* The XBMC Foundation and our lawyer are aware of other organizations that use the name "Kodi". For example, a discount store chain in Germany is called "KODi". This is not an issue, as trademarks only apply to specific markets. For example, anyone could sell hotdogs under the name Kodi and it wouldn't violate our trademark, because selling food is a different market than software media players or home theater related products. Customers wouldn't be confused about buying the hot dog and expecting to watch movies on said hot dog.


	[[Category:FAQ]]		[[Category:FAQ]]

Ned Scott: /* Did Microsoft threaten to sue you? */

2014-11-02T21:51:18Z

Did Microsoft threaten to sue you?

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	== Did Microsoft threaten to sue you? ==		== Did Microsoft threaten to sue you? ==
	* Nope. While the Xbox-roots of the XBMC name were still a concern for us, and one of the reasons we wanted to change the name, Microsoft has never contacted us about doing so.		* Nope. While the Xbox-roots of the XBMC name were still a concern for us, and one of the reasons we wanted to change the name, Microsoft has never contacted us about doing so.

			== There are other companies/organizations called Kodi. What about them? ==
			* The XBMC Foundation and our lawyer are aware of other organizations that use the name "Kodi". For example, a discount store chain in Germany is called "KODi". This is not an issue, as trademarks only apply to specific markets. For example, anyone could sell hotdogs under the name Kodi and it wouldn't violate our trademark, because selling food is a different market than software media players or home theater related products. Customers wouldn't be confused about buying the hot dog and expecting to watch movies on said hot dog.


	[[Category:FAQ]]		[[Category:FAQ]]

Ned Scott: Ned Scott moved page Kodi name change FAQ to Official:Kodi name change FAQ

2014-11-02T21:46:49Z

Ned Scott moved page Kodi name change FAQ to Official:Kodi name change FAQ

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:46, 2 November 2014
(No difference)

Kibje: /* The big one: WHY are you changing the name?! */

2014-08-06T09:51:11Z

The big one: WHY are you changing the name?!

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:51, 6 August 2014
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	* In recent years there has been more and more third party use of the XBMC name or derivatives thereof, which has proven confusing for users, and potentially damaging to our reputation.		* In recent years there has been more and more third party use of the XBMC name or derivatives thereof, which has proven confusing for users, and potentially damaging to our reputation.
	* We cannot trademark the "XBMC" name due to concerns from other software related groups that are very close to this name.		* We cannot trademark the "XBMC" name due to concerns from other software related groups that are very close to this name.
	* Even without trademarking anything, we have an agreement with another party to change the name away from "XBMC" before 2015.		* Even without trademarking anything, we have an agreement with another party to change the name away from "XBMC" before 1-1-2015.
	* This is {{color\|red\|'''not'''}} a new "marketing strategy" or direction for the software. It's really just a name change that we couldn't avoid.		* This is {{color\|red\|'''not'''}} a new "marketing strategy" or direction for the software. It's really just a name change that we couldn't avoid.

Kibje: /* Are you aware that XXX company also uses the name Kodi? */

2014-08-06T09:50:16Z

Are you aware that XXX company also uses the name Kodi?

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:50, 6 August 2014
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	* Probably yes. The trademark search after the name was suggested was extremely rigorous. The only other companies owning a similar trademark are in unrelated businesses. Two groups can have the same name/trademark as long as they are in different "markets". This is why we have both Apple Computer and Applebee's Restaurant.		* Probably yes. The trademark search after the name was suggested was extremely rigorous. The only other companies owning a similar trademark are in unrelated businesses. Two groups can have the same name/trademark as long as they are in different "markets". This is why we have both Apple Computer and Applebee's Restaurant.
			* The name Kodi was vetted by trademark lawyers who saw no problems with getting a trademark in our market.

	== I think another name is better, will you switch it to that? ==		== I think another name is better, will you switch it to that? ==

Ned Scott: /* The XBMC Foundation is still the same name? */

2014-08-06T03:12:00Z

The XBMC Foundation is still the same name?

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:12, 6 August 2014
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	* This is {{color\|red\|'''not'''}} a new "marketing strategy" or direction for the software. It's really just a name change that we couldn't avoid.		* This is {{color\|red\|'''not'''}} a new "marketing strategy" or direction for the software. It's really just a name change that we couldn't avoid.

	== ~~The~~ XBMC Foundation ~~is still the same name~~? ==		== What about the XBMC Foundation? ==

	* The current situation allows us to use the XBMC name for our legal Foundation.		* The current situation allows us to use the XBMC name for our legal Foundation.

Ned Scott at 03:09, 6 August 2014

2014-08-06T03:09:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:09, 6 August 2014
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	== Are you aware that XXX company also uses the name Kodi? ==		== Are you aware that XXX company also uses the name Kodi? ==

	Probably yes. The trademark search after the name was suggested was extremely rigorous. The only other companies owning a similar trademark are in unrelated businesses.		* Probably yes. The trademark search after the name was suggested was extremely rigorous. The only other companies owning a similar trademark are in unrelated businesses. Two groups can have the same name/trademark as long as they are in different "markets". This is why we have both Apple Computer and Applebee's Restaurant.

	== ~~The~~ name ~~"Kodi"~~ is ~~a bad one~~, ~~why not~~ switch it to ~~XXX~~? ==		== I think another name is better, will you switch it to that? ==

	~~The primary reason is~~ that ~~we have already formally submitted our registration for this name and changing that now would be extraordinarily difficult~~. ~~The secondary reason is that most~~ user suggestions that ~~vaguely relate to what this software does~~ are already either trademarked or extremely similar to existing trademarks. For example, "Helix," which is a popular user suggestion, is currently trademarked and owned by Real Networks.		* It's easier said than done. Team Kodi considered hundreds of names that had to met various criteria. Most user suggestions that we've gotten after going public are already either trademarked or extremely similar to existing trademarks. For example, "Helix," which is a popular user suggestion, is currently trademarked and owned by Real Networks.

	== Why wasn't the community involved in selecting a new name? ==		== Why wasn't the community involved in selecting a new name? ==

	There were two problems with involving the community in selecting a name. The first, and most important problem, is that an open name selection process was practically guaranteed to result in copycat groups rapidly snatching domain names up before the Foundation had an opportunity to do so. Similarly, copycat groups could easily have applied for a trademark before the Foundation was able to, preventing the use of that name.		* There were two problems with involving the community in selecting a name. The first, and most important problem, is that an open name selection process was practically guaranteed to result in copycat groups rapidly snatching domain names up before the Foundation had an opportunity to do so. Similarly, copycat groups could easily have applied for a trademark before the Foundation was able to, preventing the use of that name.

	The second, somewhat less important problem with this suggestion is purely time based. In order to make a valid name suggestion, a person must have first vetted the name, which includes searching for prior use, searching for available domains, and searching for competing trademarks. In selecting Kodi, the Team actually went through several hundred different names, vetting almost all of them. To open that process up to the community likely would have resulted in several thousand more names, all of which would have required vetting. The process already took roughly 9 months. Opening it up to the community likely would have tripled or quadrupled that timeframe.		*The second, somewhat less important problem with this suggestion is purely time based. In order to make a valid name suggestion, a person must have first vetted the name, which includes searching for prior use, searching for available domains, and searching for competing trademarks. In selecting Kodi, the Team actually went through several hundred different names, vetting almost all of them. To open that process up to the community likely would have resulted in several thousand more names, all of which would have required vetting. The process already took roughly 9 months. Opening it up to the community likely would have tripled or quadrupled that timeframe.

	== ~~What does "Kodi" mean~~? ==		== Are you selling out? Are you doing this to partner with some other company? ==

	What does Google mean? What does Ford or Mercedes mean? What does Firefox or Chrome mean? Simply put, they meant nothing until the organization behind them provided the software or hardware that made them who they are. The fact that XBMC theoretically had a meaning was far more an exception to the rule than a requirement. Right now "Kodi" means nothing. It's up to the software and the community to give it true meaning over the coming months and years.		* No, and no, respectively. In both cases, the simple fact of the matter is most companies aren't stupid. No one is going to be fooled by a simple name change. With situations like Netflix, the typical hang up is that the companies want to implement [[w:DRM\|DRM]] into the software in order to use their service. The odds are that the very companies that were willing or unwilling to work with XBMC are going to be the same companies that are willing or unwilling to work with Kodi. Further, none of the companies that have contacted us with the specific intent of working with us on software have ever required a name change or anything even remotely related to a name change.

	~~== Was this name change done so that the organization could somehow sell out or better position itself to communicate with other companies, like Netflix or Hulu?==~~

	No, and no, respectively. In both cases, the simple fact of the matter is most companies aren't stupid. No one is going to be fooled by a simple name change. The odds are that the very companies that were willing or unwilling to work with XBMC are going to be the same companies that are willing or unwilling to work with Kodi. Further, none of the companies that have contacted us with the specific intent of working with us on software have ever required a name change or anything even remotely related to a name change.

	== Will I be in trouble if I don't update the software to use the new name? ==		== Will I be in trouble if I don't update the software to use the new name? ==
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	* See '''[[XBMC:Trademark_Policy_index\|here]]''' for our new trademark usage policy.		* See '''[[XBMC:Trademark_Policy_index\|here]]''' for our new trademark usage policy.

	== How did you come up with the new name? ==		== How did you come up with the new name? What does it mean? ==

	* We considered a TON of names. We had a number of requirements for the new name, such as being reasonably pronounceable in various languages and not be a mouth full to say, not be used as a trademark for someone else's media-related product, be easy to remember, etc. The group came up with a list of names and had our lawyer go over them. We then got back a smaller list that had been checked for various legal issues, and then we voted on the final name.		* We considered a TON of names. We had a number of requirements for the new name, such as being reasonably pronounceable in various languages and not be a mouth full to say, not be used as a trademark for someone else's media-related product, be easy to remember, etc. The group came up with a list of names and had our lawyer go over them. We then got back a smaller list that had been checked for various legal issues, and then we voted on the final name.
	* We wanted to work the word "code" in there and optionally be able to use playback control symbols to "spell" out the name (such as previous, stop (or play), next) so that the name/logo would have a connection to the software while still being unique.		* We wanted to work the word "code" in there and optionally be able to use playback control symbols to "spell" out the name (such as previous, stop (or play), next) so that the name/logo would have a connection to the software while still being unique.
	* The letters "KODI" are not an acronym, nor is it supposed to be a person's name.		* The letters "KODI" are not an acronym, nor is it supposed to be a person's name.
			* Like a lot of software products, the name might not have a "direct" meaning, such as Firefox or Chrome, until the software itself defines the meaning by association. In other words, if Kodi doesn't sound like a media center application ''right now'', that's just because no one else has used it that way, duh.

			== Did Microsoft threaten to sue you? ==
			* Nope. While the Xbox-roots of the XBMC name were still a concern for us, and one of the reasons we wanted to change the name, Microsoft has never contacted us about doing so.


	[[Category:FAQ]]		[[Category:FAQ]]