As a user of WordPress and blogger writing about the platform, there are some rules about the WordPress logo and trademark that you need to keep in mind.

WordPress is open-source software, but it is still protected by copyright and trademark laws. Many beginners don’t know them, and they may accidentally violate the guidelines. There are rules you need to follow when using the WordPress logo and trademark. Let’s take a look…

Understanding GPL – The WordPress License

Keep in mind, when most people say WordPress, they are talking about WordPress.org. WordPress is released under the open-source GPL license. This makes WordPress a free software. However, free here is used as in freedom not as in free burger.

This license gives anyone the freedom to download, copy, use, study, and modify the WordPress code. While the software itself is free to use, you will need to purchase a domain name and web hosting account to install WordPress and make a website.

There is a misconception among beginners about free software and copyright. While you are free to to use the software code in any way you want, the software itself is protected by copyright and trademark laws.

What does that mean?

Basically, you can copy the WordPress code to make new software, but you cannot call your software WordPress. The name WordPress is a registered trademark owned by the WordPress foundation. It is a non-profit organization which ensures that WordPress runs successfully as a free open source project.

Rules for WordPress Logo & Trademark:

Rule 1. Always Write WordPress with a Capital P

The correct way to spell WordPress is with a capital P. This capitalization is taken very seriously by the WordPress community.

If you are going to mention WordPress anywhere, then make sure that you use the correct spelling. Using an incorrect spelling is frowned upon and considered unprofessional.

Rule 2. Do not use WordPress in Your Domain Name

As we mentioned earlier that the name WordPress is a registered trademark owned by the WordPress foundation. This protects the WordPress brand and ensures its continued success.

Just like any other registered trademark, the WordPress Foundation reserves exclusive usage rights for the term WordPress. This means you cannot use WordPress as part of your brand name or website. This restriction also includes domain names.

You can use WordPress in a subdomain such as (wordpress.example.com), the WordPress Foundation is mainly concerned about top-level domains.

Rule 3. The WordPress Logo

The WordPress logo consists of the letter W in a grey or sometimes white circle with a grey ring around it.

The height of the letter W is tall and graceful. Many bloggers and website owners sometimes mistakenly use the faux logo which usually has a shorter W in it.

Make sure that you are using the correct WordPress logo in your projects. The WordPress logo is also available as a text mark, text mark with W logo, and W logo.

You can download all these logos from the official WordPress logos page. Feel free to use these images in your projects. However, make sure that you use them in accordance with WordPress trademark policy.

Rule 4. No Affiliation or Endorsement

The WordPress foundation wants you to use the WordPress logo and brand to promote the WordPress project itself.

However, you are not allowed to use it in a way that suggests endorsement or affiliation with the project. Here are some examples:

• You cannot use WordPress logo in your product’s advertisements.
• You cannot use WordPress or its logo as part of your own logo.
• You can place ‘Powered by WordPress.org’ on your website, but you cannot say ‘Recommended by WordPress’.

In easier words, any attempts to take unfair advantage of WordPress brand name are a violation of the trademark policy.

Conclusion:

Violation of these rules can cause legal proceedings would cost you a lot of money, and you would lose support from the WordPress community itself. The WordPress community relies on the WordPress foundation to take these actions. It benefits everyone in the ecosystem and helps countless WordPress related companies grow and succeed.