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?
- 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 and the fan buttons are easy to get. There are Usage Guidelines and a Trademark License that govern the usage of these buttons and banners. 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.
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 encourage the community to put the buttons and banners on their websites to help spread the word about the OpenSolaris project.
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 right click on the image you'd like to download.
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 advocacy list at advocacy-discuss 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.
