Ian B. Jacobs: The cube and cube+'Semantic Web' can be distributed freely. They can be used for derivative works (including used with other imagery and modifications to the cube colors) without permission as long as: The cube shape is not changed; There is attribution of W3C (following some guidelines that we still need to draft).
Questions:
To what degree of precision must the cube shape be retained?
Given that this logo is itself a shape, if the shape is changed, must permission still be obtained? Does that mean that every cube-like image must be approved by the W3C?
I guess every cube-like image whose source was the W3 SW logo, has to be approved.
What was the source to the image that appears on this web page? The colors are spot on, but the curves have been smoothed, the edges have been shifted, and even the angles have been slightly altered.
From the Semantic Web mailing list: Every time I work on logos, I learn something new! The main lesson so far from the Semantic Web logos: Get more feedback on usage policy before deploying. Thank you all for your comments. Most of them related to...
If they’re relying on trademark law to enforce these wishes, then “likelihood of confusion” is the main legal test in most jurisdictions. If you don’t accept their restrictions, and a judge thinks your usage of a similar logo will mislead people into thinking your products are from the W3C, then you might be infringing their trademark.
If they’re relying on trademark law to enforce these wishes
You are describing trademark infringement. Passing off and trademark dilution are more complicated, but still potentially damaging to the originator of the logo. I think it is pretty obvious that the interaction of various Open Source licenses and these laws is untested. It seems conceivable that those licenses could be construed as relinquishing the right to pursue legal action under the various trademark laws available. IMHO, that is why people us copyright law instead, since it is clearer in comparison. I don’t think it is because they are dumber than various bloggers.
From the Semantic Web mailing list: Every time I work on logos, I learn something new! The main lesson so far from the Semantic Web logos: Get more feedback on usage policy before deploying. Thank you all for your comments. Most of them related to...
I didn’t even know that we had a Semantic Web Logo but I did find “intertwingularity of specifications” (on Laurian Gridinoc’s site) far more interesting. Sam, do you have any policies for the creative use of “Intertwingly” (and its derivative usage)?