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The parent meant that they could protect CoreOS (http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4805:a60...), but might not be able to acquire trademark for Container Linux, because "container" is a descriptive term. Like, you can protect "Colgate", but not "White tooth paste". Pretty sure, though, they know what they were doing and consulted lawyers :)

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As a (non practicing) lawyer, I would have said "oh hell no."

But that's the thing about lawyers; you can find one to agree with you on anything if you look hard enough.

Linux is a trademark, toothpaste is not, that's the difference. You could definitely trademark "Black Colgate", "Ubuntu Linux" and "container linux", the latter two via the Linux sublicensing program the comment above yours linked to. IANAL.

The sublicense agreement just means you get to use Linux in your name. It doesn't mean you get to protect your new name with your own trademark. That's up to the law.

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