TrademarkFAQ
The website has official details for legal information and branding information.
What's the purpose of this wiki page?
This page addresses common questions which arise about the use of the OSGeo Trademarks and Logos.
Our code is free, but we do strictly enforce our trademark rights; we must, in order to keep them valid. This means that, while you have considerable freedom to redistribute and modify our software, there are tight restrictions on your ability to use the OSGeo name and logos, even when built into binaries that we provide.
For the details approvied by the OSGeo board see legal information as this community wiki is at best informal.
What are the OSGeo Trademarks and Logos?
The OSGeo trademarks include, among others, the names The Open Source Geospatial Foundation, OSGeo, OSGeo.org, and the compass logo.
The OSGeo logo is displayed without the(R) symbols. TM in superscript can be added but it is not required (Thanks to Jennifer Daehler for this information).
Can I put OSGeo banners on my website? Can I link to you?
Thanks for your support -- of course you may. Please read how to put OSGeo banners on your website and how to link OSGeo.
Can I make a t-shirt/desktop wallpaper/baseball cap with the logo on?
Historical: Sure, if it's just for you, or if it's for others and no money or other consideration changes hands -- but note you are specifically precluded from producing items with the OSGeo name or logo for distribution at tradeshows, local user group meetings, etc.
Historical: As an experiment OSGeo operated a CafePress store but this did not raise money and is no longer maintained.
One of the FOSS4G events setup RedBubble and as expected knockoffs immediately appeared in that search.
We do support our projects and local chapters in using branding as part of their promotion, please talk to marketing committee and review branding information.
Can I modify your logos and distribute the result?
Historical:
To maintain our legal standing with respect to our trademarks and to prevent confusion or misunderstanding within the marketplace, you may not modify the logos. This is an open community, so feel free to discuss this policy. Please see our Trademark Guidelines and Logo Use guidelines on how you can link the Logo variations we currently provide.
Please see website branding information for information on how to use the logo, and our new branding makes allowances for sub-brands which is great.
You didn't answer my question.
No problem. Simply contact marketing committee for branding questions, and OSGeo Board for legal questions and you will get all the answers you need.