FAQ: OpenSolaris Trademark/Logo Usage
- Is OpenSolaris a Sun trademark?
- What are the permitted uses of the OpenSolaris trademark?
- Can I use the OpenSolaris name for my derived work or distribution?
- What are the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners for?
- Where can I use the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners?
- Do I need to register to use the Fan Buttons and Banners?
- Why is there a trademark license that governs usage of the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners?
- Why are there guidelines for clear space around the buttons and banners?
- Can I modify the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners available here?
- I am creating a derivative product and would like to communicate its association with the OpenSolaris project. When will that program be ready?
Is OpenSolaris a Sun trademark?
Yes. OpenSolaris is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. This FAQ provides some key information about using the OpenSolaris trademark. Additional information about using Sun trademarks is at the Sun trademark policies page.
What are the permitted uses of the OpenSolaris trademark?
First, the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners are available now. The fan buttons and banners make it easy for you to endorse and show your support for the OpenSolaris community and technology on your websites. There is no registration program; the fan buttons are easy to get. There are Usage Guidelines and a Trademark License that govern the usage of these buttons and banners.
(Note to Readers: We hope that you like the OpenSolaris fan buttons and banners. We do! Please use them to help spread the word about the OpenSolaris project.)
Second, Fair Use of the OpenSolaris trademark is, of course, allowed. For example, you can talk about the OpenSolaris project and refer to it in your writing, in your blogs, etc. And the growing collection of OpenSolaris User Groups can use the OpenSolaris trademark in their User Group names, as long as they comply with Sun trademark policies for User Groups.
Third, the OpenSolaris Trademark Policy describes the details of how you can communicate that your derived work includes OpenSolaris technology. We have also created buttons to communicate that a website or system is running the OpenSolaris technology. Enjoy!
Can I use the OpenSolaris name for my derived work or distribution?
Refer to the OpenSolaris Trademark Policy for examples of when and how you may use the OpenSolaris name or tagline.
What are the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners for?
We think fan buttons and banners are cool - and we like to put them on our websites, to spread the word about a project and show our support for the project. We hope you like the OpenSolaris buttons - check them out.
Where can I use the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners?
On your websites, on your blog pages, on the internet.
Do I need to register to use the Fan Buttons and Banners?
No. Registration is not required. To obtain the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons or Banners, go to the buttons and banners page and click on the image you'd like to use. A pop-up window will provide HTML code that you can embed in your web page to display that button. The button download pages have guidelines for usage, and will show you the OpenSolaris Fan Button and Banner Trademark license as well.
Why is there a trademark license that governs usage of the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners?
Our trademark lawyer makes us include a "trademark license" along with these fan buttons and banners in order to meet the terms of worldwide trademark laws. Still, we have made it easy to acquire these fan buttons so that you can endorse the OpenSolaris project without registration and without paperwork.
Please follow the guidelines and the terms of the trademark license so that we can all spread the word about the OpenSolaris community while still taking steps to make sure that the OpenSolaris trademark is protected and continues to represent the values and quality that we all expect.
Why are there guidelines for clear space around the buttons and banners?
If different logos are placed too close together, website visitors could draw incorrect association between independent, non-related products/projects. So, we request that the OpenSolaris fan buttons and banners remain visually distinct from other logos and graphics and do not overlap other design elements. (The HTML provided on the buttons page takes care of this for you.)
Can I modify the OpenSolaris Fan Buttons and Banners available here?
No. Please use them as is. We need to adhere to worldwide trademark requirements and practices by not modifying the buttons and banners. We welcome your ideas for improvements and are happy to discuss suggestions on the OpenSolaris community marketing discussion list at opensolaris-mktg AT opensolaris DOT org.
I am creating a derivative product and would like to communicate its association with the OpenSolaris project. When will that program be ready?
The OpenSolaris Trademark Policy describes the trademark usage program for products that are derived from and include OpenSolaris technology.