Questions for the University of Guelph on its trademark of “OpenED” | Abject

"Like many other people, I had an emotional response to the news that a community-oriented open education conference (one in its twelfth year of existence) was being targeted by a trademark claim by the University of Guelph. Clint Lalonde provides a detailed account. But before I articulate my feelings, I have to acknowledge there is much I do not understand about this whole affair. So for now, I will address my questions to the University of Guelph as an open query. I hope this will find its way to someone who can and will address them. Why did the University of Guelph feel it needed trademark protection in this instance? How did you become aware of this perceived 'infringement' of this trademark? Can you explain how the Open Education Conference, and BCcampus’s use of the term 'OpenEd' does harm to the University of Guelph? ..."