I don’t see a problem with this. If there wasn’t a Linux Trademark, all kinds of slimy idiots would be trying to claim they own Linux, and that has already happened. Further, if Linus and LMI don’t actively enforce the trademark on some, then they forfeit it.
BTW the numbers they are talking about are like $200 – $5000. That is pocket change for companies that are making money on something that was free to them anyway. Besides, this isn’t a fee to use Linux, it is a fee to use the trademark.
Trademarking Linux: Some Pay License Fee, Some Don’t
Should companies be paying a license fee for the use of the Linux trademark?