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DISCUSSION DRAFT


This page contains the official guidelines (the "Trademark Guidelines") for use of the Fedora Trademarks.  
This page contains the official guidelines (the "Trademark Guidelines") for use of the Fedora Trademarks.  

Revision as of 16:00, 14 January 2012

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This page is a draft only
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DISCUSSION DRAFT

This page contains the official guidelines (the "Trademark Guidelines") for use of the Fedora Trademarks.

This page describes how third parties may use the Fedora Trademarks; it does not describe what the Fedora Project Board ("Board") itself may designate as authentic Fedora-branded goods or services. Red Hat enlists the assistance of the Board to both to establish the quality of goods and services that carry the Fedora Trademarks and to oversee the Trademark Guidelines to ensure compliance by the community. The Board, in consultation with Red Hat, may grant permission for uses not described below.

Except as provided in these guidelines, you may not use the Fedora Trademarks or any confusingly similar mark as a trademark for your product or services, or use the Fedora Trademarks in any other manner that might cause confusion in the marketplace, including but not limited to in advertising, on auction sites, or on software or hardware. Red Hat protects the Fedora Trademarks on behalf of the entire Fedora community. Indeed, the law obligates trademark owners to police their marks and prevent the use of confusingly similar names by third parties.

These guidelines are not intended to limit your "fair use" of the Fedora Trademarks, i.e., the referential use of the trademarks in references to the goods or services with which these marks are used by Fedora.

The Trademarks

The "Fedora Trademarks" are the word "Fedora" in plain text or stylized form, the Infinity design logo, the word "FUDCon" in plain text or stylized form, the words "Four Foundations" in plain text or stylized form, the "Four Foundations" design logo and its variations, and the words "Fedora Remix" in plain text or stylized form. They are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc.

Primary Marks

The word "Fedora," in plain text or stylized form, and the Infinity design logo are the "Primary Marks."

Secondary Mark

The words "Fedora Remix," in plain text or stylized form, is the "Secondary Mark." The Secondary Mark provides downstream distributors a means to indicate their work includes or is derived from Fedora software, and thereby drive more interest in the Fedora Project itself.

Guidelines for use of the Secondary Mark are described below in the sections where its use is permitted or appropriate. Guidelines for presentation of the Secondary Mark are located at this page. (Correct reference to the Logo/Usage Guidelines? Pam) (Assuming all the info on the old page is correct on Logo/UsageGuidelines, we should blank the old page and redirect it --Ian Weller 14:56, 11 January 2012 (UTC))

Use of the word "Fedora" alone in connection with the Secondary Mark may only be used to clearly indicate that the new work uses some software obtained from the Fedora Project but may not suggest that the new work has been approved by or authorized by the Fedora Project. The notice may not contain phrases such as:

  • "built from Fedora"
  • "powered by Fedora"
  • "contains Fedora"

The new work must be referred to only as a "Fedora Remix." Other uses that do not properly indicate the new work contains modified Fedora software or non-Fedora software are also not permitted.

Using the Secondary Mark also requires a statement in print or in another prominent location stating that end users are receiving modified Fedora software, and informing them where they can get unmodified Fedora software.

FUDcon Mark

The word "FUDCon," in plain text or stylized form, is the "FUDCon Mark." The FUDCon Mark is only used in association with the Fedora Users and Developers Conference and may be used only by FUDCon organizers who have been accepted to run a FUDCon through the FUDCon bid process. These Trademark Guidelines do not describe permitted uses of the FUDCon Mark. FUDCon organizers should contact logo@fedoraproject.org for questions about appropriate use of the FUDCon Mark.

Four Foundations Marks

The words "Four Foundations," in plain text or stylized form, as well as each individual "leaf" component of the Four Foundations design mark in their various versions, are the "Four Foundations Marks." The Four Foundations Marks are used to show support for and agreement with the Fedora Project and its values and ideals.

Guidelines for use of the Four Foundations Marks are described below in the sections where its use is permitted or appropriate. Guidelines for presentation of the Four Foundations Mark are located at this page.

The Four Foundations Marks may only be used in materials whose primary purpose is the promotion of the Fedora Project and to promote the Fedora Project core values. Any materials in which the Four Foundations Marks are used must satisfy this purpose and must also include the Primary Marks and meet all the requirements described for the use of the Primary Marks.

Fedora Media

The Fedora Project distributes software in various formats, including a format which is designed to be reproduced on physical media by the recipient. Hereinafter, Fedora software provided by the Fedora Project in such formats and unmodified reproductions thereof in any form are collectively referred to as "Fedora Media." Examples of Fedora Media include but are not limited to:

  • installation CDs and DVDs,
  • live bootable CDs, DVDs, and USB devices, and
  • any copies of those media in a format suitable for data interchange.
  • a Board-approved Fedora Spin in a format described above

Trademark requirements for all use cases

In all cases, whether your use is permitted under the conditions described in Section 4, "Use of the Fedora Trademarks," or you are seeking special permission from the Board, use of the Fedora Trademarks is only permitted provided that:

  • the use is only in connection with promoting the Fedora Project or Fedora products
  • the use is not disparaging to Red Hat, the Fedora Project or their products
  • the use is appropriate for the mark used, for example, "Fedora Remix" is used only for remix products and "Fedora" alone is not used for remix products
  • Proper trademark symbols are used in connection with the Fedora Trademarks and the trademark attribution statement must appear as explained in Proper Trademark Use
  • other than in plain text form, the Fedora Trademarks may only be used as described in the official logo usage guidelines

If your use case is not described below, you do not have permission to use Fedora Trademarks. If you would like to ask for permission, contact the Board.

Use of the Fedora Trademarks

Distributing Fedora software

Copies of unmodified Fedora Media

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to use the Primary Marks to label media made from exact copies of the CD and DVD images distributed by the Fedora Project and its mirrors. The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Primary Marks without additional permission to label Fedora Media, provided proper trademark symbols are used in connection with the Primary Marks and the trademark attribution statement appears as explained in Proper Trademark Use.

The Fedora Project provides labels in formats suitable for use in labeling Fedora Media, and recommends their use.

Fedora Spins: New combinations of software from Fedora repositories, with or without additional Non-Software Content

You may use the Primary Marks on new combinations of software from Fedora repositories, with or without additional documents or media files ("Non-Software Content"), provided that:

  • use of the Fedora Trademarks is approved by the Board. The Board will ask for a description of the software from the Fedora repositories to be included and to see the proposed designs of labelling, marketing and collateral material before approving the use;
  • the additional Non-Software Content does not substantially modify the content, configuration, or operation of the Fedora software without additional user intervention;
  • the additional Non-Software Content is labeled and distributed in a way that clearly indicates it is not part of the Fedora software provided on the media, and is not affiliated with, provided by, or supported by the Fedora Project;
  • it is clear who is responsible for the additional Non-Software Content.

You may also consider distributing the new combination under the Secondary Mark instead.

Fedora Remix: Combinations of Fedora software with non-Fedora or modified Fedora software

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to use any identifiable Fedora branding to label media that contains modified Fedora software, or combinations of Fedora software with non-Fedora software. This is the category where use of the Secondary Mark is appropriate. Guidelines relating to such usage of the Secondary Mark are set forth in this section.

You may use the Secondary Mark on and in conjunction with media that commingles unmodified Fedora software with non-Fedora or modified Fedora software, or that provides modified Fedora software, provided that:

  • the fedora-logos, fedora-release, and fedora-release-notes RPM packages are removed, although you may replace these with packages of your own devising not containing Fedora Trademarks;
  • a notice is prominently displayed either on the physical media or, if the media is provided through electronic means, at the point of dissemination, indicating that:
    • the software provided is not provided or supported by the Fedora Project; and
    • official Fedora software is available through the Fedora Project website, and linking to the Fedora Project website at http://fedoraproject.org/.

OEM pre-loads of approved combinations of Fedora software

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to use the Primary Marks to label or advertise computer systems pre-loaded with Fedora software. The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Primary Marks without additional permission in connection with the provision and sale of computer systems pre-loaded with approved combinations of Fedora software, provided that:

  • the computer system is pre-loaded or pre-installed with Fedora Media;
  • the use does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the user by Red Hat or the Fedora Project or of any non-Fedora goods or services;
  • it is clear to the consumer of the computer system that there is no support available from the Fedora community other than that which is offered to all users;
  • any non-Fedora software is not pre-installed on the physical media on which the Fedora operating system is pre-loaded, but instead provided on separate physical media. If the non-Fedora software is pre-loaded, refer to OEM pre-loads of combinations of Fedora software with non-Fedora or modified Fedora software.

If you wish to pre-load any combination of Fedora software other than an already-approved Fedora Spin, you must have the combination approved by the Board. For general guidelines, see Fedora Spins: New combinations of software from Fedora repositories, with or without additional Non-Software Content.

OEM pre-loads of combinations of Fedora software with non-Fedora or modified Fedora software

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to use any identifiable Fedora branding to label or advertise computer systems pre-loaded with combinations of Fedora software with non-Fedora software, or with modified Fedora software. The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Secondary Mark without additional permission in connection with the provision and sale of computer systems pre-loaded with a combination of Fedora software and non-Fedora or modified Fedora software, provided that:

  • the fedora-logos, fedora-release, and fedora-release-notes RPM packages are removed, although you may replace these with packages of your own devising not containing the Fedora trademarks;
  • a notice is prominently displayed either on or alongside the physical media, indicating that:
    • the software provided is not provided or supported by the Fedora Project, and
    • official Fedora software is available through the Fedora Project website, and linking to the Fedora Project website at http://fedoraproject.org/

Virtual images or appliances with unmodified Fedora software

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to use the Primary Marks to label or advertise virtual images or appliance distributions pre-loaded with Fedora software. The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Primary Marks without additional permission to label or advertise virtual images or appliance distributions pre-loaded with approved combinations of Fedora software, provided that:

  • the virtual image or appliance distribution is composed entirely of Fedora Media with the following exception:
    • any required or customary modifications to Fedora software that allow the virtual image or appliance distribution to operate in its intended environment are permitted;
  • the use does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the user by Red Hat or the Fedora Project or of any non-Fedora goods or services;
  • it is clear to the consumer of the virtual image or appliance that there is no support available from the Fedora community other than that which is offered to all users;

If you wish to use the Primary Marks with a virtual image or appliance with any combination of Fedora software other than an already-approved Fedora Spin with the exception above, you must have the combination approved by the Board. For general guidelines, see Fedora Spins: New combinations of software from Fedora repositories, with or without additional Non-Software Content.

Virtual images or appliances with combinations of Fedora software with non-Fedora or modified Fedora software

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to use the Fedora Trademarks to label or advertise virtual images or appliance distributions pre-loaded with combinations of Fedora software with non-Fedora software, or with Fedora software modified beyond the exception in the previous section. The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Secondary Mark without prior permission in connection with the provision and sale of virtual images and appliance distributions pre-loaded with a combination of Fedora software and non-Fedora or modified Fedora software, provided that:

  • the fedora-logos, fedora-release, and fedora-release-notes RPM packages are removed, although you may replace these with packages of your own devising not containing the Fedora trademarks;
  • a notice is prominently displayed adjacent to the image file or with the appliance, indicating that:
    • the software provided is not provided or supported by the Fedora Project, and
    • official Fedora software is available through the Fedora Project website, and linking to the Fedora Project website at http://fedoraproject.org/

Application themes, skins, and personas

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to show support for Fedora by placing the Primary Marks or Four Foundations Marks in a theme, persona, or skin intended to alter the appearance of an application. The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

These guidelines do not apply to the appearance of a web site, which is covered elsewhere in this document.

It is permissible to use the Primary Marks and Four Foundations Marks in themes, personas, or skins for applications to show your support for the Fedora Project, provided that:

  • the use of the Primary Marks and Four Foundations Marks does not conflict with the license or terms of use of the application being altered;
  • the use is non-commercial in nature; and,
  • the use does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by Red Hat or the Fedora Project.

If you wish to use any existing Fedora designs other than the Primary Marks and Four Foundations Marks for your work, please observe the licensing requirements for those materials. If you have questions about these requirements for any particular design, contact the Fedora Design Team.

Non-Fedora operating systems combined with Fedora on the same media or image

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to combine non-Fedora operating systems with Fedora software on the same media or image. Examples include:

  • dual-sided media with Fedora on one side and any other non-Fedora operating system on the other
  • multiple-boot media or images which include Fedora along with non-Fedora operating systems

The combination of non-Fedora operating systems with Fedora software requires Board approval. The Board will ask for a description of the combination and to see the proposed designs of labeling, marketing and collateral material, before approving the use.

Use of the Fedora Trademarks other than for the distribution of software

Noncommercial and community web sites

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to show support for Fedora by:

  • placing the Primary Marks or the Four Foundations Marks on a personal web site or blog to support Fedora
  • making a page on a social networking web service to support Fedora
  • linking to Fedora from a wiki to provide information or show support for Fedora

The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Primary Marks and the Four Foundations Marks on websites to show your support for the Fedora Project, provided that:

  • where possible, the Fedora Trademarks, including any design logo, hyperlink to the Fedora Project website, http://fedoraproject.org/, or if that is not possible, the site includes a prominent link to the Fedora Project website at http://fedoraproject.org/.
  • the site indicates clearly that it is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Fedora Project; in addition, where possible:
    • the site must include the text "This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Fedora Project" prominently on any page that includes Fedora Trademarks; and
    • if the Primary Marks or Four Foundations Marks appear in a page header or any area that is designed to be presented on more than one page, the notice must also be designed to be presented on all of those pages as well (i.e., if the Fedora Trademarks appear in a site-wide header, the informational text must appear in that header or an identically site-wide footer.);
  • the site does not use visual styling that could be confusing to viewers or visitors as to whether the site is hosted by or on behalf of the Fedora Project.

Business web sites

In the past, some have inquired whether it is permissible to show support for Fedora by:

  • offering Fedora Media for sale at a retail business or web site
  • displaying a link to the Fedora Project using the Primary Marks from a business web site
  • displaying the Primary Marks as part of a business that provides services for clients using Fedora

The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Primary Marks on business web sites, provided that:

  • the web site has non-Fedora primary branding;
  • the design logo hyperlinks to the Fedora Project website, http://fedoraproject.org/;
  • the use does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the user by Red Hat or the Fedora Project or of any non-Fedora goods or services;
  • the use of the Primary Marks does not imply an association with or endorsement of any non-Fedora goods or services;
  • the site does not use visual styling that could be confusing to viewers or visitors as to whether the site is hosted by or on behalf of the Fedora Project;

Provided these guidelines are observed, it is permissible to use the Primary Marks to sell Fedora Media, and to advertise services for Fedora-based systems (installation, configuration, troubleshooting, etc.)

Business cards

In the past, community members have inquired whether it is permissible to use the Primary Marks on business cards identifying the community member as a Fedora Ambassador. The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Primary Marks without prior permission on business cards to identify one's affiliation with the Fedora Project provided that the Fedora Ambassador Business card template located at this URL is used. This is the only business card use permitted; community members may not use any Fedora Trademarks or refer to the Fedora Project on any other business cards. Use of business contact information on the template is also frowned upon.

Promotional events

In the past, community members have inquired whether it is permissible to use the Primary Marks and the Four Foundations Marks to promote free and open source software events such as a Linux installfest or community free software trade show. The guidelines relating to such usage are set forth in this section.

It is permissible to use the Primary Marks and the Four Foundations Marks without additional permission to promote free and open source software events where individuals that participate in the Fedora Project appear as Fedora Ambassadors, distribute Fedora Media, or otherwise represent the Fedora Project, provided the general guidelines above are followed. If you would like to make some non-software goods to give away at the event and don't already have a license to do so, see Non-software goods.

Publications

It is permissible to use the Fedora word mark in the title and content of a publication, provided that:

  • the use is clearly in reference to the Fedora Project or its software;
  • the use is not as the leading word of the title;
  • The statement "(Title) is an independent (publication) and is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or otherwise approved by the the Fedora Project or Red Hat, Inc.” is prominently on the cover and title page of the publication
  • the use does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by Red Hat or the Fedora Project;
  • Proper trademark symbols are used in connection with the Fedora Trademarks and the trademark attribution statement must appear as explained in Proper Trademark Use.

Cover-mount media

Cover-mount media that includes Fedora software requires Board approval. The Board will ask for a description of the contents of the media and to see the proposed designs of labeling, marketing and collateral material, before approving the use.

Domain names

In the past, community members have inquired whether it is permissible to use the Fedora Trademarks, including the words "Fedora" or "FUDCon," in an Internet domain name.

The Fedora Project has established the fedoracommunity.org domain so that local community sites can form without cost or excessive effort to that community. Details about the process and benefits of a fedoracommunity.org domain are located on the Local community domains wiki page.

For any other use of the Fedora Trademarks in a domain name, please read the Local community domains page and contact the Board.

Non-software goods

In the past, community members have inquired whether it is permissible to use Fedora Trademarks on non-software goods such as T-shirts, stickers, and pens.

Community members may request from the Board a license to use the Fedora trademarks on non-software related goods, services, or other entities. The Board, or someone it delegates for the task, will ask to see the proposed designs before approving the use.

Uses not described above

Have a use that is not described above but that you would like approved? Contact Fedora legal at legal@fedoraproject.org

Unapproved Use

The following uses of the Fedora Trademarks are not approved under any foreseeable circumstances.

  • Uses that violate the Logo/Usage Guidelines or these Trademark Guidelines;
  • Any use outside these guidelines not by explicit written permission.

Except as set forth herein, the trademark owner retains and reserves all rights to the Fedora Trademarks and their use, including the right to modify these guidelines.

These guidelines may be amended from time to time at the discretion of the Board.

Proper Trademark Use

One of the purposes of the Fedora® Project is to make a cutting-edge version of Linux® widely available in consistent format that the public can come to trust. To achieve this purpose it is important that the technology can quickly be identified and that the recipient knows the technology they are receiving is the official and unmodified version. Red Hat has chosen the Fedora® mark to identify this effort and is granting usage rights in the Fedora Trademarks as previously described in this document in order to assure widespread availability.

Trademark Usage Guidelines

Guideline Use examples
When using the Fedora Trademarks you must provide the proper trademark symbols and a trademark attribution statement. Acceptable: Use Fedora® for the first instance of the trademark, and include the statement "Fedora and the Infinity design logo are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc."
Unacceptable: Never using the ® mark for Fedora, nor a trademark statement per the guidelines.
Always distinguish trademarks from surrounding text with at least initial capital letters or in all capital letters. Acceptable: Fedora, FEDORA
Unacceptable: fedora, yourFedora
Always use proper trademark form and spelling. Acceptable: Fedora
Unacceptable: FeDoRa, Fuhdoerah
Never pluralize a trademark. Never use "a" or "the" to refer to an instance of the trademark. Always use a trademark as an adjective modifying a noun, or as a singular noun. Acceptable: This is a Fedora system.
Anyone can install Fedora.
Unacceptable: I put a Fedora on my mom's computer. I have seventeen Fedoras running in my lab.
Never use a trademark as a verb. Trademarks are products or services, never actions. Acceptable: Install Fedora on your computer.
Unacceptable: Fedoraize your system today!
Never use a trademark as a possessive. Instead, the following noun should be used in possessive form or the sentence reworded so there is no possessive. Acceptable: The Fedora desktop's interface is very clean.
Unacceptable: Fedora's desktop interface is very clean.
Never translate a trademark into another language. Acceptable: Quiero instalar Fedora 9 en mi sistema.
Unacceptable: Quiero instalar Sombrero 9 en mi sistema.
Never use trademarks to coin new words or names. Acceptable: N/A
Unacceptable: Fedora Fashion for geeks; Fedorate.
Never alter a trademark in any way including through unapproved fonts or visual identifiers. Acceptable: Proper use of the Fedora logo
Unacceptable: Putting a blue hat on top of the trademark
Never use or register any trademarks that are confusingly similar to, or a play on, the word Fedora. Acceptable: N/A
Unacceptable: Fuhdora Project
Never combine your company name with the Fedora name or use the Fedora name in a way that it could be perceived that Red Hat or the Fedora Project and your company have an organizational link such as a joint venture. Acceptable: AcmeCo uses Fedora software on all its servers.
Unacceptable: Bix Max servers are a partnership of Fedora and AcmeCo.
Never use the Fedora Trademarks in a disparaging manner or in a manner that infringes Red Hat trademark rights or violates any federal, state, or international law. Acceptable: N/A
Unacceptable: Little cartoon boy micturating on Fedora logo, applying Fedora logo outside permitted uses
Never use terminology that states or implies that the Fedora Project assumes any responsibility for the performance of your products and services. Acceptable: AcmeCo uses Fedora software on all its servers.
Unacceptable: Fedora runs AcmeCo's servers.
Never abbreviate or use any Fedora Trademarks as an acronym. Acceptable: The Fedora Users and Developers Conference is known as FUDCon.
Unacceptable: FedUDCon, FEDORA (Fabulous Exchangeable Distribution Of Real Artistry)
The Fedora Infinity design logo must be hyperlinked to (http://fedoraproject.org/), in contexts where such a hyperlink is technically feasible. Acceptable: Hyperlinking the logo where feasible
Unacceptable: Not hyperlinking the logo where feasible

Logo Usage Guidelines

For more information about the requirements for logo size, appearance, placement, and other considerations for the Fedora Trademarks, refer to the Logo/Usage Guidelines and the Secondary Trademark Usage Guidelines. (Can we consolidate these two pages? I think they might be already. Pam) (See my note above --Ian Weller 15:37, 11 January 2012 (UTC))

Other Information

Red Hat, Inc. ("Red Hat") does not permit use of its registered trademarks without permission. If you are aware of any such use, please contact us at fedora-legal@redhat.com.