[falsestprophet]

A trademark is a distinctive sign or indicator [1]. It has nothing at all to do with patents [2] or "ideas."

Coca Cola and Pepsi each own trademarks for their respective names and likenesses, but neither own patents on the idea of selling sugared water.

  [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trademark
  [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent

[rogerthat]

Ok, point taken, I wasn't aware of the distinction between patents and trademarks.

But my point is, don't you find it at all absurd that Eric Ries is trying to own the term "Lean Startup"? It strikes me as being a little ridiculous.

[teej]

I don't see any indication that Eric Ries himself is attempting such a thing. It seems like a cover-your-ass move on the part of the group originator (Rich Collins).