[consulting] Using the word Drupal in Name or Domain

[Sam Cohen]

Hi again,

This is a little confusing.  Maybe someone can help me understand.  It's
starts off by saying

"You need to apply for a written license if you are using the term "Drupal"
as part of your own trademark or brand identifier"

That's clear - if you use it as part of your trademark or brand identifier
-- though I'm not sure exactly what a brand identifier included.

But then it goes on to say "this includes use in..." and then goes on to
mention a list of things that go far beyond just your "trademark or brand
identifier."  That list basically includes every time you mention the word
drupal.  (web services, training, curricula)

Now, not only does this mean that practically everyone on this list is
probably in violationm (if you offer Drupal consulting anywhere in writing)
it also doesn't seem to make sense.

Certainly, if you want to offer a training course on Excel, you don't need
written permission from Microsoft first. Or if you offer Sharepoint
consulting, you don't need their approval.

Typically -- I think --  as long as you acknowledge that the term is
registered, you are allowed to use it.

So, while I assumed their would be rules in naming your business or your
domain, I'm really surprised -- if I'm reading this right -- that you are
supposed to get permission for using the term in training, curricula or web
services.

I know Dries and others read this list so it would be great if someone can
clarify.

Thanks,
Sam



On Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 12:51 PM, Brian Vuyk <brian at brianvuyk.com> wrote:

> That's the exact node I was just searching for to answer this question. I
> am quite sure this is the current trademark policy.
>
> If you want an absolute answer, it's best to ask Dries or the Drupal
> Association directly.
>
> Brian
>
> Daniel Horning wrote:
>
>>
>> there may be a newer version but that’s the most likely answer.
>>
>> http://groups.drupal.org/node/15023
>>
>> *Licensable uses of the "Drupal" trademark*
>>
>> You need to apply for a written license if you are using the term "Drupal"
>> as part of your own trademark or brand identifier, regardless of whether the
>> Product is commercial or not. This includes use in: the names of software
>> products (ABC Drupal), domain names (abcdrupal.com), web site names (ABC
>> Drupalzone), web services (ABC Drupal Address Verification Service), books
>> (Drupal ninja secrets: the complete guide), training courses and curricula
>> (ABC Advanced Drupal Administration) and certification programs/exams
>> (Drupal Black Belt Certification) and events (ABC Drupal Confernece).
>>
>> We would like domain names of the form "Drupal.xx.tld" to take people to
>> local, non-profit Drupal organizations for the appropriate locale. Other
>> uses are prohibited.
>>
>> --
>>
>> *Dan Horning*
>>
>> *American Digital Services* - /Where you are only limited by imagination/.
>>
>> _dan.horning at planetnoc.com_ :: _http://www.americandigitalservices.com_
>>
>> 1-518-444-0213 x502 . /toll free/ 1-800-863-3854 . /fax/ 1-888-474-6133
>>
>> /15 Third Street, PO Box 746, Troy, NY 12180 (by appointment only)/
>>
>> *From:* consulting-bounces at drupal.org [mailto:
>> consulting-bounces at drupal.org] *On Behalf Of *Sam Cohen
>> *Sent:* Thursday, June 25, 2009 12:39 PM
>> *To:* A list for Drupal consultants and Drupal service/hosting providers
>> *Subject:* [consulting] Using the word Drupal in Name or Domain
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> Does anyone know what the rules are in using "Drupal" in a domain or as
>> the name of a business?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Sam
>>
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>>
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>
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