OpenID Trademark Policy
From OpenID2009
Please note that this version is still a draft that may change.
Contents |
1. Abstract Usage Guidelines
This document outlines the policy of the OpenID Foundation (OIDF) regarding the use of its trademarks. Any use of any OpenID™ trademark must be in accordance with this policy. As used in this memo, “trademarks” means not just OpenID™ logos, but also the names of its various products, as well as the domain names.
OpenID™ is a registered trademark of OpenID Foundation and affiliates chapters by the members of the board in the juridctions indicated in section 5 and its use is licensed through the OpenID Foundation. This places everyone else on notice that they cannot use the Mark improperly and protects it for use by everyone interested in promoting it.
2. Using OpenID™
OpenID™ may be used in a descriptive, fair-use manner without a license (or other written approval) in the following ways.
2.1 Using OpenID™ in general
The usage of the OpenID™ name must use the correct casing of the letters forming the name. “OpenID” is being used correctly where “OPEN ID”, “Openid”, and “Open Idea” are incorrect. The usage of the OpenID™ name is not allowed to be used in conjunction with product names and service titles different of OpenID™ Patent Policy.
2.2 Using the OpenID™ name in your URL
Use of a domain name that incorporates OpenID™ will constitute a fair, descriptive use if the following conditions are met: It is not misleading (or likely to cause confusion) that the domain name or associated web site is sponsored by or affiliated with OpenID Foundation. It is not misleading (or likely to cause confusion) that an OpenID™ product or technology associated with the domain name or web site. The web site owner does not use the OpenID™ Trademark in its associated company, product or service names unless properly licensed. If you want to include all or part of an OpenID™ trademark in a domain name (e.g.: www.openid*.com, www.*openid.eu, www.openid.yourcompany.com, www.openid.xx, www.open-id.xx…), you have to receive written permission (by mail) from OpenID Foundation.
2.3 Using the OpenID Logo
The OpenID™ logos may be used without specific written permission from OpenID Foundation under the following conditions:
- The use of OpenID™ logo must not be detrimental.
- The OpenID™ logo must be a “clickable” link that leads directly to http://www.openid.net/ or on your local chapter site.
- The OpenID™ logo should not be modified (color, other fonts or words…).
- The OpenID™ logo must to have the TM symbol.
Please visit the OpenID Logo Policy also.
N.B. Randy Reddig designed the OpenID™ logo for the OpenID™ Community that accepted this logo but can propose evolution and new logos for OpenID™.
2.4 Publications, Seminars and Services
If you refer to OpenID in the titles of books, magazines, e-zines, other publications, seminars, or user groups, you must use your own trademark in conjunction with the goods or service provided and may not claim rights in the portion of the title referring to the OpenID™ Trademark. Examples of appropriate titles include: “Your Name OpenID™ Protocol User’s Guide,” “Your Name OpenID User Group,” “Your Trademark Supporting OpenID™ Training.” Your name or trademark must appear in a prominent location on all materials relating to the publication, seminar, or services. Services” and “Your Brand.
2.5 Trade Shows, Conferences and Expos
Unless OpenID Foundation sponsoring your show or conference under a written sponsorship agreement, the name of any trade show, conference or exposition concerning a OpenID™ product, service or technology should begin with the producer’s or sponsor’s brand or name, and should then follow a “for OpenID” format. For example, “YourName Expo for OpenID™ Development” or “YourName Conference for OpenID Developers.” The producer’s or sponsor’s own name or trademark must be prominently displayed on all materials that advertise, promote or are otherwise associated with the conference.
3. Using OpenID on a Licensed Basis
OpenID may be used as all or part of an organization, software, service, or site name only upon written approval and/or under a license agreement, available through the OpenID Foundation. Unlicensed or otherwise unauthorized use of OpenID™ or of marks that are confusingly similar to OpenID may constitute an infringement of trademark rights.
3.2 Company/Organization Names
OpenID™ can not be used in the official name of any commercial (for profit) business or entity. OpenID™ can be used in the official name of any non-commercial (non-profit) organization or entity only through a license written from OpenID Foundation.
4. General Tips on Using Trademarks
A trademark should be used as an adjective immediately preceding a generic noun such as in “OpenID protocol” or “OpenID software.” A trademark should not be used as follows: Not Possessives: A trademark should never be used in possessive form. Use “OpenID™ protocol’s benefits,” not “OpenID’s benefits.” Not Plurals: A trademark should never be used in plural form. Use “All your OpenID bases,” not “All your OpenIDs.” Not Verbs: A trademark should never be used as a verb. Use “Send me a OpenID message,” not “OpenID me.” Links
