Questions About WP Trademark Usage

  • Resolved Fizzgig

    (@fizzgig)


    10 years ago

    Hello all, I hope this would be an acceptable place to get myself more clear on how businesses may use the WordPress name and logos to promote their business.

    First of all, is this website and domain ok:
    http://www.learnwordpressonline.com ?

    What about facebook pages?
    https://www.facebook.com/learnwordpressonlineca (I actually had this girl take down a bunch of blatant violations already but I wonder about the name and logo there still?)

    And in promoting a course taught at a college, for dollar amounts from $200-600 (that I’ve seen) what can one use to promote the courses?

    On the wp trademark policy page it is written:

    “Your project is non-commercial in nature (it can make money to cover its costs or contribute to non-profit entities, but it cannot be run as a for-profit project or business).”

    So can the wp logos be on any printed materials like flyers and business cards?

    Thanks for advice.

Viewing 10 replies - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)
  • esmi

    (@esmi)

    10 years ago

    First of all, is this website and domain ok

    No. It contravenes the WP trademark. See http://wordpressfoundation.org/trademark-policy/

    What about facebook pages?

    That second url is fine. It is the use of the WordPress name/trademark in the domain name that is the issue.

    Thread Starter Fizzgig

    (@fizzgig)

    10 years ago

    My apologies, I did not read correctly and have edited my reply here.

    Thanks for confirmation.

    Thread Starter Fizzgig

    (@fizzgig)

    10 years ago

    So I’d just like to know if the facebook page can use the wordpress name and logo in its own logo design and promotion of its commercial services?

    esmi

    (@esmi)

    10 years ago

    On second thoughts, I don’t think the FB group is ok as it is using the WordPress trademark as a group name to directly promote its commercial services.

    As I understand it, a site could use http://example/wordpress to talk about the WP services it offers but a group cannot use the WP name in its title or the WP logo.

    Thread Starter Fizzgig

    (@fizzgig)

    10 years ago

    Thank you esmi, that was my understanding as well.

    Thread Starter Fizzgig

    (@fizzgig)

    10 years ago

    Can a college course title be titled AND promoted as:

    “WordPress Web Design”
    ?

    esmi

    (@esmi)

    10 years ago

    Not so sure about that one. I’d imagine it would have to be judged on a case-by-case basis depending upon whether this was a commercial course (for profit) or a non-profit educational project. For the final word on this, try contacting the WordPress Foundation.

    Thread Starter Fizzgig

    (@fizzgig)

    10 years ago

    Thank you and yes I have contacted them already too. I’m just concerned about a new local (like, in real life – I have to see her face on the street!) trying to cash in on our beloved wordpress <3 and taking advantage of our long-time residents here at the same time!
    I want it clear and out loud, I hope that is ok.

    I had seen the course offered and posted a reply that I would help any – class overflow – for FREE should anyone be interested and not be able to get into the class, I was upset at the course itself to be honest and I wanted locals to know they didn’t need hundreds of $$$ to learn about it.

    She deleted it and called it spam. Ick. So…I guess she likes rules and stuff.

    Thread Starter Fizzgig

    (@fizzgig)

    10 years ago

    (A disclaimer – I was offering locals free help I am NOT offering the world free help here and now! Thank you. hehe…sorry, I am only one.)

    esmi

    (@esmi)

    10 years ago

    I’ve reported the odd site etc via the contact form and, as far as I know, the reports are acted upon whenever possible. People with thin watches and legal documents may be involved. 😉

Viewing 10 replies - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)
  • The topic ‘Questions About WP Trademark Usage’ is closed to new replies.