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PSF Trademark Usage Policy

In case you have questions regarding our trademark policy, please check ourPSF Trademark FAQ or contact thePSF Trademarks Committee for help.

Introduction

This document outlines the policy of the Python Software Foundation ("PSF")regarding the use of its trademarks. Any use of any PSF trademark must be inaccordance with this policy.

"Python" is a registered trademark of the PSF. The Python logos (in severalvariants) are use trademarks of the PSF as well.

"PyCon" is a trademark of the PSF. Please see thePSF PyCon TrademarkUsage Policy for details.

"PyLadies" is a trademark of the PSF. Please see thePyLadies Trademark Usage Policy for details.

All trademarks, even those that apply to open source software, must be usedaccording to certain legal requirements. If these requirements are not met,the trademark may be endangered or lost. One of these requirements is for thetrademark owner (in this case, the PSF) to maintain standards for using itstrademarks, and to enforce acceptable use of the trademarks by taking actionagainst parties that violate those standards.

Trademark law is mainly a way to protect the public, rather than the trademarkholder. This means that uses of trademarks that confuse consumers -- which inour case would include our developer and user community, or anyone else whomight be likely to use the Python programming language -- are not permittedunder law. As the owner of the trademark, we must be sure the mark is usedproperly, so the community is not confused. That is what we mean when we saythat an unpoliced trademark may be endangered or lost. When the trademark nolonger represents a certain level of quality to the community, or no longerindicates that we are the source of the products that bear the trademark, thetrademark loses its value.

Underlying PSF's trademark policy is a set of guidelines for what is -- and isnot -- acceptable use of PSF's trademarks, specifically the word mark"Python", the Python logos, and variations of those marks. This policydescribes the uses generally approved by PSF for its trademarks. However, ifyou violate this policy, or otherwise take actions that may compromise thegoodwill or trademarks of PSF, or expose PSF to liability, PSF may require youto cease all use of any PSF trademark, regardless of the uses allowed in thispolicy.

General Goals

In general, we want the word mark "Python" and the Python logos to be usedwith minimal restriction to refer to the Python programming language.

We donot want these trademarks to be used:

  • to refer to any other programming language
  • in a way that is misleading or may imply association of unrelated modules,tools, documentation, or other resources with the Python programming language
  • in ways that confuse the community as to whether the Python programminglanguage is open source and free to use

Uses that Never Require Approval

All trademarks are subject to "nominative use rules" that allow use ofthe trademark to name the trademarked entity in a way that is minimaland does not imply a sponsorship relationship with the trademarkholder.

As such, stating accurately that software is written in the Pythonprogramming language, that it is compatible with the Pythonprogramming language, or that it contains the Python programminglanguage, is always allowed. In those cases, you may use the word"Python" orthe unaltered logos to indicate this, without our priorapproval. This is true both for non-commercial and commercial uses.

This clause overrides other clauses of this policy. However, if you have anydoubts about your intended use of the trademarks, pleasecontact the PSF Trademarks Committee.

Uses that Always Require Approval

Any commercial use of the PSF trademarks in product or company names must beapproved first by the PSF. Some uses, like calling a company "The PythonCompany," or a product "Python Language" or "Python IDE" will be refused. Thisis because they are overly broad, or confusing as to whether the Pythonprogramming language is open source or commercial, or whether your product ororganization is affiliated with or sponsored by PSF.

Any use of a derived (modified) logo for any commercial purpose must also beapproved first by the PSF. We will generally be unable to do this, because ofthe confusion it may cause. As a guideline, modifications that leave the shape --but not necessarily the colors -- unaltered are likely to be approved. Inclusionof other visual elements at an offset to the logo is generally acceptable (subjectto other terms of this policy). Modifications that modify or obscure any part ofthe shape of the logo will not be approved.

To support the PSF's non-profit mission, the Foundation suggests that entities using the Python name or logo consider making a donation to the PSF.

Donations to the Python Software Foundation may be made on ourdonation page.

How to Use the Trademarks

Although many uses of PSF's trademarks are governed by more specific rules,which appear in the examples below, the following basic guidelines apply toalmost any use of PSF's trademarks.

  1. If the trademark is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,it is referred to as a registered mark. The first or most prominent mentionof a Python trademark should be immediately followed by a symbol forregistered trademark: "®" or "(r)". For example "Python® ..." Thisrequirement is waived in all contexts where such marks are not normallyincluded: email, online discussion, non-graphical advertisements (whenpermitted), and academic papers. We encourage the use of the symbol wheneverpossible, but recognize that many non-commercial and informal uses will omitit.

  2. The Python logos are not currently registered. (We will post an update tothis policy if they are registered later.) These logos should be used in theform provided by the PSF, and should be accompanied by a symbol forunregistered trademarks: "(TM)" or a small TM "™". This may not be removed orobscured and must always be included with the logo.

  3. Try to give the word "Python" distinctive graphic treatment whereverpossible. The trademark should be set apart from surrounding text by usingALLCAPS,italics,emphasized or underlined fonts.

  4. If the word "Python" or the Python logos are used in certain contexts,the following statement should accompany its use:"Python" andthe Python logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of the PythonSoftware Foundation, used by ___________ with permission from the Foundation.

    For websites and documentation this can be on a "legal statements" page. Forbrochures and published articles, this statement is optional.We encourage use of this statement, particularly for published materials,but recognize some non-commercial and informal uses will omit it.

  5. Always use any trademark as an adjective only, followed by a genericnoun. For instance, it is correct to refer to the Python programminglanguage (adjective) but not simply to Python (noun). Don't use thetrademark as a verb ("Python your software today!").

Examples

We have specific rules for the following uses:

  1. Use of the word "Python" in text, or as text in 3rd party logos and trademarks.
  2. Use of one of the PSF-provided logo variants inunaltered form.
  3. Use of a logoderived from the Python logos. For example, use of theintertwined snake graphic combined with different text, or with no text, or incombination with other graphic elements.

The following rules apply to the use of trademarks in each of these three classes.

The word "Python"

  • Use of the word "Python" in the names of freely distributed products likeIronPython, wxPython, Python Extensions, etc. -- Allowed when referring to usewith or suitability for the Python programming language. For commercialproducts,contact the PSF for permission.
  • Use of the word "Python" in company names -- Allowed only by prior writtenpermission from the PSF.
  • Use of the word "Python" when redistributing the Python programming languageas part of a freely distributed application -- Allowed. If the standardversion of the Python programming language is modified, this should be clearlyindicated. For commercial distributions,contact the PSF for permissionif your use is not covered by the nominative use rules described inthe section "Uses that Never Require Approval" above.
  • Use of the word "Python" in the names of user groups and conferences thatare free to join or attend (Ex., "Dallas Python Users Group") -- Allowed iffor the Python programming language. Other uses require permission.
  • Use of the word "Python" in the name of books or publications like "PythonJournal" and "Python Cookbook" -- Allowed if for the Python programminglanguage.
  • Use of the word "Python" on websites, brochures, documentation, and productpackaging -- Allowed if referring to the Python programming language. Pleasefollow the rules above about the use of the circle-R symbol.
  • Use of the word "Python" in advertisements -- Allowed in most cases bythe nominative use rules described in the section "Uses that Never RequireApproval" above. Other uses in ads only with prior permission.
  • Use of the word "Python" in email and informally -- Allowed without thecircle-R symbol.
  • Use of the word "Python" in academic papers, theses, and books -- Allowedwithout the circle-R symbol. Books should include the symbol.
  • Use of the word "Python" in another trademark -- Not allowed without priorwritten permission from the PSF, except as described above.

Unaltered Logos

  • Use of unaltered PSF-provided logos on T-shirts, mugs, etc. -- Again,non-commercial uses to promote the Python programming language are allowed.Commercial uses (which includes any use where you sell these items for money)require permission from PSF. Please reproduce our logos with the right colorsand fonts; if you need help, let us know.
  • Use of unaltered PSF-provided logos on websites, brochures, and productpackaging. The "intertwined snakes" graphic alone is an unaltered version, whetheror not accompanied by the words in PSF-provided logos. Non-commercial uses topromote the Python programming language are allowed, as are all nominative usesas described in the section "Uses that Never Require Approval". Any othercommercial uses require prior written permission from PSF.

Derived Logos

  • Derived logos must always be sufficiently different from the Python logos toallow the community to tell the difference. For example, if you want to createaderived logo for a local Python user group, you might be able to insert anunaltered Python logo graphic into the local group's name in a way thatdoes not cause confusion. But confusingly similar derived logos are notallowed. This includes entwining Python logos with other logos, or connectingthem together in a confusing manner. Logos that simply change the colors orfonts require permission from the PSF Trademarks Committee.
  • Use of freely distributablederived logos as icons for files and executables --Allowed if used to refer to the Python programming language. Commercialusers should obtain permission before usingderived logos as icons forproprietary file formats.
  • Use ofderived logos for user groups and conferences -- Allowed if used torefer to the Python programming language. Commercial user groups andfor-profit conferences require permission from the PSF.
  • Use ofderived logos for freely distributed 3rd-party modules or tools --Allowed if for the Python programming language. Use ofderived logosfor commercial modules and tools requires permission from the PSF.
  • We recommendcontacting the PSF for permission forallderived logos to avoid placing a confusing logo into wide-spreaduse. Contacting us is not a requirement for the specificnon-commercial uses listed above, or when using freely distributablederived logos that have already been approved by the PSF.However, obtaining permission from the PSF is required in all otheruses of aderived logo.

Notes

The word mark "Python" is a registered trademark in the United States of America.Seehttp://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=76044902.

PSF sponsors and members do not receive any preferential treatment under this policy.

Commercial trademark uses that predate this policy (prior to June 2006) do notrequire permission from the PSF if the use is consistent with this policy.However, if you think you may have used the PSF trademarks in the past in waysthat would violate this policy, we recommend seeking permission. Although weare not generally in the business of suing for past infringement of ourtrademarks, the PSF does reserve the right to deny trademark use that violatesthis policy. Past use in violation of this policy does not confer a right tocontinue that use. (Please note: We are not currently aware of any priorcommercial uses of the trademarks that do violate this policy.)

Note

The PSF Trademark Usage Policy above was approved by the PSF Boardof Directors on November 13, 2006. See thePSF Board Resolutionspage for details.

The first publicly released version of the document was 1.2.2. Version1.3 was approved by the PSF board January 8, 2007. It clarifies how thepolicy relates to nominative use rules, and adjusts the derived logoexamples to avoid unnecessary restrictions on commercial use of certaintypes of derived logos.

Helping Out

As a member of the Python community, please keep an eye out for questionableuses of the Python logo and "Python" word mark. You can report potentialmisuse toThe PSF Trademarks Committee.We will evaluate each case and take appropriate action.

Please do not approach users of the trademarks with a complaint. That shouldbe left to the PSF and its representatives.

Thanks!

License for this Policy

Interested parties may adapt this policy document freely under theCreative Commons CC0 license:

https://i.creativecommons.org/l/zero/1.0/88x31.png

To the extent possible under law, thePython Software Foundationhas waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights tothe "PSF Trademark Usage Policy".This work is published from the United States.