Why was Mandrake renamed Mandriva?

[jamadagni]

I was curious why Mandrake was renamed Mandriva? Did they hit up against some patents with the Mandrake the Magician thing?

BTW is it true they also were bankrupt? Not a sign of a healthy company, what? (shudder)

[carlosponti]

it was merged with a brazilian distro which had the last part of the new name and the mandrake first part of the name and became mandriva.

[LondoJowo]

Here's what enquiring minds want to know
http://www.mandriva.com/company/pres...2551&wslang=en

[techieMoe]

BTW is it true they also were bankrupt? Not a sign of a healthy company, what? (shudder)

Yes, they were bankrupt at one time. I can't seem to find a news article on it, but I'm sure someone will pop up a link eventually.

[carlosponti]

it was merged with a brazilian distro which had the last part of the new name and the mandrake first part of the name and became mandriva.

Mandrakesoft/Conectiva were the two that merged.

[jamadagni]

Thanks for the replies guys... (Oh, and I would like a link on the bankruptcy issue, if possible. I didn't get any good ones.)

[dylunio]

here you are: http://news.zdnet.com/2110-9595_22-982680.html

EDIT: Just found: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-980819.html

[a12ctic]

http://www.mozillaquest.com/Linux_Ne...t_Story01.html

theres a prety good one

[ladymecha]

you want the truth?
you want the truth?
YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH! :P

alright here is the real reason why they re named it mandriva: it sounded cool
Mandrake sounded too much like an old kung fu film.... while mandriva sounded like a neat sportscar....

ITS A CONSPIRACY! :P

[bigtomrodney]

Wasn't there another company called Mandrake who did software, and a long entangled legal wrangle (although I don't think anything came of it). I remember hearing that Gael was glad when the name changed because it removed that potential risk.