Dell denied trademark on "cloud computing."

In related news, I've withdrawn my trademark application on "cloud" as condensed atmospheric water vapor. Turns out someone was already using it, and nobody really associated it with me.

Sam Johnston says the US Patent and Trademark Office has "declared 'cloud computing' generic, in that it is 'incapable of functioning as a source-identifier for applicant's services'. This makes sense given that few of us think 'Dell' when we think of 'cloud computing', even in this context.

"This is good news for cloud computing in general, and proof that the term is taking hold."