Backdrop CMS and the Backdrop logo are registered trademarks of Software Freedom Conservancy.

Trademark Policy

1 Purpose

Backdrop CMS is a member project of Software Freedom Conservancy ("Conservancy"). Conservancy holds rights in the Marks on behalf of Backdrop CMS in accordance with its non- profit charitable mission.

Conservancy has adopted this Policy to protect the Marks (as defined below) and to make sure that the identity of Backdrop software and its free and open source nature is clear to everyone. By using this Policy, Backdrop CMS can grow the use of Backdrop software while making sure that the Marks are protected in a way that's consistent with U.S. trademark law (U.S. Registration 4680534). This Policy is written to allow all clear and appropriate use of the Marks while disapproving use of the Marks in ways that could confuse people as to where the software came from, or that implies an otherwise non- existent association with Backdrop CMS. By adhering to this Policy, you help to promote to the public the freedom to use and develop the Backdrop software.

Throughout this Policy, the word "Marks" refers to the following:

This Policy is only concerned with the Marks associated with Backdrop CMS, and does not address any copyrights associated with Backdrop software.

2 Guidelines for using the Marks

2.1 Trademark symbol on first mention

The first prominent mention of a Mark should be immediately followed by a symbol for, as applicable, a registered trademark (®) or an unregistered trademark (™). For example: "Backdrop CMS®".

This requirement is waived in all contexts where such marks are not required to protect the intellectual property rights associated with the Marks, such as email, online discussion, and academic papers. We encourage the use of the applicable symbols whenever possible, but recognize that many users will omit them in non-commercial and informal contexts.

You can use "Backdrop CMS and the Backdrop logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Software Freedom Conservancy in the United States and/or other countries." when you need to mention "Backdrop CMS" in e.g. list of trademarks held by other people.

2.2 Use of the Marks without written permission

You may use the Marks without prior written permission (subject to the other sections) as follows:

  1. To refer to Backdrop software in substantially unmodified form. "Substantially unmodified" means built from the source code provided by Backdrop CMS, possibly with minor modifications including but not limited to: the enabling or disabling of certain features by default, translations into other languages, changes required for compatibility with a particular operating system distribution, or the inclusion of bug-fix patches.
  2. To identify Backdrop software as a distinct component of a software offering.
  3. To factually refer to Backdrop CMS itself, its products, or its protocols.

In addition, you may use the Marks to refer to products, services, or communities outside of Backdrop CMS or Backdrop software without written permission in the following contexts:

  1. When referring to Backdrop software that is not substantially unmodified, to say that such software is a "derivative of" or "based on" Backdrop CMS.
  2. When referring to a third-party software product and/or service that is interoperable with Backdrop software, in the format "[Product Name] for Backdrop CMS" -- provided that such use otherwise complies with the rest of this Policy.

Conservancy does not charge a fee for a license to use the Marks in these contexts. However, we do of course welcome donations. If you're interested in donating to Backdrop CMS, care of Conservancy, please visit the Contribute page. Conservancy is a United States 501(c)(3) public charity.

2.3 Prohibited usages of the Marks

You may not use the Marks in the following ways:

  • In any way likely to cause confusion as to the identity of Backdrop CMS, the provenance of its software, or the software's license.
  • In any way that indicates a greater degree of association between you and Backdrop CMS than actually exists.
  • In any way that implies a designated successor to Backdrop CMS (e.g., "Backdrop++" is not permitted).
  • In any way that indicates that Backdrop CMS favors one distribution, platform, product, etc. over another (except where explicitly indicated in writing by Conservancy).
  • In any other way that dilutes or otherwise infringes upon the trademark rights of Conservancy and Backdrop CMS in the Marks.
  • To refer to Backdrop software, modified by a third party to the point of inoperability with Backdrop software in substantially unmodified form.

In addition, you may not use any of the Marks as a syllable in a new word or as part of a portmanteau (e.g., "Backdroptacular", "Backdropedia") used as a mark for a third-party product or service without Conservancy's written permission. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision applies even to third-party marks that use the Marks as a syllable or as part of a portmanteau to refer to a product or service's use of Backdrop code.

2.4 Limitations to this Policy

This Policy does not confer any rights to use the trademarks "Software Freedom Conservancy," "Conservancy," or to use any other trademarks other than the Marks listed in Section 1. This Policy does not authorize you to act as an agent for Conservancy, enter into any agreement on behalf of or otherwise create any liability for Backdrop CMS or Conservancy.

2.5 Use of the Marks in merchandising

You may not create and/or sell merchandise bearing any of the Marks without Conservancy's express written permission. If you are interested in using creating and/or selling merchandise bearing any of the the Marks, please send proofs of your designs to us at TRADEMARK@SFCONSERVANCY.ORG.

3 Rights reserved by Conservancy

Conservancy reserves the sole right to:

  • Determine compliance with this Policy.
  • Modify this Policy in ways consistent with its mission of protecting the public.
  • Grant exceptions to this Policy, of any kind and for any reason whatsoever, other clauses notwithstanding.

4 Questions

This Policy is designed to keep the Marks safe in order to protect this software's reputation, earned by the contributions of Backdrop CMS to the free and open source software community, and to the public at large. If you see any use of the Marks anywhere that you think violates this Policy or otherwise goes against the spirit of Backdrop CMS and Conservancy's mission, please bring it to Conservancy's attention by contacting us at TRADEMARK@SFCONSERVANCY.ORG.

If you have questions about using the Marks, or if you think you should be able to use the Marks for any purpose not allowed by this Policy and would like permission for that use, please contact Conservancy by emailing TRADEMARK@SFCONSERVANCY.ORG or by writing to Backdrop CMS c/o Software Freedom Conservancy, 137 Montague St. Ste 380, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3548.