GNOME Trademark FAQ
General Questions
Legal/Licensing Information
Refer to the GNOME Foundation Licensing website for the most official information about licensing the GNOME Trademark and to the GNOME Foundation Legal website for other legal information.
How Can I Use the GNOME brand?
The GNOME Foundation Licensing website provides "Third-party usage guidelines" and a form that GNOME Foundation User's Groups can sign to be able to use the GNOME logo for GNOME User's Group activities.
Can I modify the GNOME brand?
Not without permission. Those who have made an agreement with The GNOME Foundation to use the brand can only use the standard logos provided on GNOME Brand Guidelines without additional permission.
That said, The GNOME Foundation does typically approve tasteful modifications to the brand, so please submit a mock-up of any modified design to The GNOME Foundation and you will be notified whether it is acceptable or not.
Are there some situations where the brand can be used without permission?
Yes, there are some situations where the GNOME brand can be used. Refer to the GNOME Foundation Licensing Guidelines.
Can I use the word "GNOME" in my domain?
Only the GNOME Foundation can own domains which include the brand in the domain name. It is possible for The GNOME Foundation to purchase and own domains that GNOME Users Groups may make use of. So, if there is a desire to set up such a domain, please discuss this with The GNOME Foundation to see if arrangements can be made.
How does this relate to software and documentation licensing
The GNOME "User group license agreement" applies to using the GNOME logo in any newsletters, marketing materials and other works made available as part of GNOME's user group program. It does not apply to the software and documentation that compose GNOME, because those are expressly excluded in the agreement. User Groups have no effect on distribution of GNOME software and documentation.
Commercial Use
I am a commercial entity and want to sell GNOME branded merchandise? What do I do?
Review the "Commercial Exploitation" agreement, and contact The GNOME Foundation with samples or mock-ups of the merchandise you intend to sell and to discuss the terms.
How much does The GNOME Foundation charge in royalty to use the brand?
This is negotiable and depends on numerous factors. For example, The GNOME Foundation would tend to charge a lower royalty or waive royalty fees to an organization using the brand for charitable purposes.
GNOME User Group Use
Do I need to incorporate to form a GNOME User Group?
GNOME User Groups must have an official representative who is responsible to ensure that the group uses the brand appropriately. For example, it is necessary to keep track of how the brand is used and to be able to provide The GNOME Foundation will information that shows how the brand has been used by the group upon request.
I represent GNOME Users Group and I want to use the GNOME brand on materials relating to our group. What do I do?
Review the "Users Group" agreement, and contact The GNOME Foundation with samples or mock-ups of how you intend to use the brand. After discussion, the GNOME Foundation will require a signed form before the brand can be used.
Can GNOME branded merchandise be sold for a profit by GNOME Users Groups?
Yes, but with restrictions. For example, profits can only be used for GNOME related activities. If revenue of over $1,000 (USD) is accumulated, then profits must be held by an organization that is a tax free entity. If your user's group is not a tax free entity, then The GNOME Foundation can hold profits in its accounts for the User's Group. To sell GNOME branded merchandise in other situations requires a "Commercial Exploitation" agreement.
Does GNOME provide funding to user groups?
Users Groups may make requests to The GNOME Foundation for funding. Funding is typically only provided for specific projects or events which have a clear goal of promoting GNOME. The GNOME Foundation typically requires a proposed budget which shows in detail how the money will be spent.