Re: Re: Free Debian logos? [was: Re: GUADEC report]
>No, you stated it fine. A Free logo would be usable unmodified as the
>logo for another project or website. That would probably cause
>confusion with Debian, but it is a legitimate use for a Free logo.
We have accepted must-change-name clauses (which are worse) in the past based
on the reasoning that causing confusion is not legitimate.
The GPL's requirement that you prominently note your changes is for exactly
the same reason.
The 'no-endorsement' clauses common in BSD-style licenses are for the same
reason.
I believe that using the Debian logo or name unmodified as the logo or name
for another project, without any clarification, in order to cause confusion
about endorsement by Debian, or about what is Debian, or about who funds
Debian, is not a legitimate purpose or use for a Free logo (or name!), and I
hope most people agree with me. The key point is that uses which are *not*
likely to cause such confusion must not be prohibited.
Incidentally, if Debian vanishes and stops distributing anything or using any
logos for a long period (so that no possible confusion can be caused), I
think the trademark rights may go away entirely. IANAL, so I'm not sure.
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