This document was found on September 20, 2000 via the USPTO's search-engine called Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). While this was an initial reason for many Free-net systems to change their names to something based on the phrase "Community Network", I doubt this is much of an issue now given that "I regret to report that the National Public Telecomputing Network will soon be closing its doors permanently. On September 17, 1996, NPTN filed for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy."

FLORA Community Web had chosen its name before the Trademark-controvercy, and specifically wanted to focus on the (in 1994/1995 the then new and not yet supported by Free-nets) Web technologies.

Typed Drawing

Word Mark FREE-NET
Goods and Services IC 038. US 104 105. G & S: COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, NAMELY THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF TYPED MESSAGES BETWEEN REMOTE USERS OF COMPUTER TERMINALS; AND ELECTRONIC MAIL SERVICES. FIRST USE: 19860716. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19860716
Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number 73686124
Filing Date September 24, 1987
Published for Opposition May 10, 1988
Registration Number 1498957
Registration Date August 2, 1988
Owner (REGISTRANT) SOCIETY FOR PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTING, THE D.C. 300 METROPOLITAN SQUARE 655 15TH STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON D.C. 20005

(LAST LISTED OWNER) NATIONAL PUBLIC TELECOMPUTING NETWORK CORPORATION ASSIGNEE OF OHIO 34555 CHAGRIN BOULEVARD MORELAND HILLS OHIO 44022
Assignment Recorded ASSIGNMENT RECORDED
Attorney of Record LOREN W. HERSHEY
Type of Mark SERVICE MARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Affidafit Text SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR).
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE