Is "Centon" copyrighted? (metric clocks)

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SUMMARY

The term "Centon," proposed as a unit of time equivalent to 1/100 of a day (approximately 14 minutes), is not copyrighted, particularly in the context of its usage in Battlestar Galactica. The discussion highlights the challenges of measuring time on other planets and critiques the practicality of a metric clock system that uses a 2.4-hour "hour." The term "Centon" is associated with various products, such as hitch covers and electronics, indicating its non-exclusive use in commerce. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more intuitive time measurement system that aligns with human behavior.

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Is the term "Centon", as a unit of time used in Battlestar Galactica copyrighted? How would I go about finding this out?

I was thinking about how people would deal with measuring time on other planets when I got to thinking about decimal time and what the units were called. Using seconds and hours would be confusing. It seemed to me that 1/100 of a day should be called a centon. At 14 minutes long, (on Earth) this would be a useful measurement for organizing the day. We already use roughly this unit, as most things happen on the half or quarter hour.
 
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Algr said:
copyrighted? How would I go about finding this out?
No. Google it --- you'll find "Centon" hitch covers, "Centon" electronics, ad nauseum. Time bases on other planets? Why base ten?
 
I'm aware of those, but I didn't see Centon used as a unit of time anywhere. The 2.4 hr "hour" in the metric clock strikes me as problematic since it doesn't really match anything that humans do; You need three digits for just about anything.
 

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