Gmail trademark policy
The Gmail trademark policy is a set of guidelines established by Google, the owner of the Gmail brand, to regulate the use of the Gmail trademark by third parties. The policy aims to prevent confusion, dilution, or tarnishment of the Gmail brand, while also allowing legitimate uses of the trademark.
Here are some key points to note about the Gmail trademark policy:
- Proper use: The policy requires that third parties use the Gmail trademark in a way that is consistent with Google's brand guidelines. This includes using the correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, as well as avoiding misleading or confusing uses.
- Licensing: Google grants licenses to third parties to use the Gmail trademark under certain conditions. These licenses may be granted for specific purposes, such as for use in a product or service that is compatible with Gmail.
- Prohibited uses: The policy prohibits the use of the Gmail trademark in a way that is likely to confuse or deceive consumers, or that damages the reputation of Google or Gmail. This includes using the trademark in a way that is misleading, deceptive, or unfair.
- Domain names: The policy prohibits the registration of domain names that are identical or confusingly similar to Gmail.com or other Gmail-related domain names.
- Merchandise: The policy prohibits the use of the Gmail trademark on merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, or other products, without a license from Google.
- Services: The policy prohibits the use of the Gmail trademark to promote services that are competitive with Gmail or that are likely to confuse or deceive consumers.
- Fair use: The policy allows for fair use of the Gmail trademark, such as for criticism, commentary, news reporting, or educational purposes.
Some examples of prohibited uses of the Gmail trademark include:
- Using the Gmail trademark to promote a competing email service
- Using the Gmail trademark to imply that a product or service is endorsed or affiliated with Google
- Using the Gmail trademark in a way that is misleading or deceptive
- Using the Gmail trademark on merchandise or in a way that is likely to confuse or deceive consumers
On the other hand, some examples of permitted uses of the Gmail trademark include:
- Using the Gmail trademark to describe a product or service that is compatible with Gmail
- Using the Gmail trademark in a way that is consistent with Google's brand guidelines
- Using the Gmail trademark for fair use purposes, such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, or educational purposes
If you are unsure about whether your use of the Gmail trademark is permitted, you can contact Google's trademark team for guidance.