As a WordPress user, it‘s important for you to understand the rules surrounding use of the WordPress name, logo, and trademarks. While WordPress is open source software, the WordPress Foundation owns the trademarks and enforces guidelines on how they can be used.
In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, I‘ll explain the key rules you need to know about legally and properly using WordPress trademarks, from my perspective as an experienced webmaster with over 15 years in the WordPress world.
The name ‘WordPress‘ is spelled with a capital ‘P‘. This capitalization is taken very seriously in the WordPress community.
When writing or saying the name WordPress, always capitalize the ‘P‘. Using lower case ‘wordpress‘ or ‘Wordpress‘ is considered incorrect.
In 2010, the WordPress development team even added a function called capital_P_dangit() to the WordPress 3.0 release. This automatically corrects any instances of ‘wordpress‘ to ‘WordPress‘ in titles, content, and excerpts.
The reason for the strict adherence to the capital ‘P‘ spelling is to protect the WordPress trademark and brand. Capitalization helps distinguish the name as a proper noun referring to the specific software and community, rather than just a descriptive word.
So whether you‘re writing a blog post mentioning WordPress or telling a friend about it, always spell it with a capital ‘P‘ to show respect for the trademark.
As a webmaster, I always take care to capitalize WordPress properly in any public communications, whether that‘s on my website, social media, email newsletters, or elsewhere. This shows I want to represent the brand correctly as an experienced WordPress professional.
The WordPress name is a registered trademark owned by the WordPress Foundation. Like any trademark, they have exclusive rights to the usage of ‘WordPress‘ in branding.
This means you cannot use ‘WordPress‘ as part of a domain name, business name, product name, or service name. For example:
- WordPressConsulting.com (wrong)
- WPConsulting.com (okay)
You can use ‘WordPress‘ in subdomains like wordpress.example.com. But the WordPress Foundation reserves rights over top-level domain names containing the WordPress name.
If you see someone using ‘WordPress‘ in a domain name, you can report trademark violations to the Foundation. They may take legal action to claim ownership of infringing domain names.
The goal is to protect the WordPress brand identity online. Domain names containing ‘WordPress‘ could mislead people into thinking they are official WordPress sites when they aren‘t.
As a webmaster since the early 2000s, I‘ve seen many cases of improper domain name usage get addressed through legal channels. The WordPress Foundation keeps a close watch for infringements and ramps up efforts against serial offenders.
My advice is never attempt to squat on domains using the WordPress name. Focus on building your own brand identity.
The WordPress logo consists of the capital letter ‘W‘ inside a rounded square with a circle around it. The height of the ‘W‘ is elongated for a graceful, tall appearance.
There is a common incorrect variant with a shorter ‘W‘ height. Make sure to always use the real logo:
[Insert image comparing correct and incorrect W logos]Other official WordPress logo variations include:
- WordPress text logo
- WordPress text logo with ‘W‘ icon
- Just the ‘W‘ icon
You can download WordPress logos in PNG, SVG, PDF, and other formats from the official logo page at WordPress.org.
When using WordPress logos, make sure to follow the trademark policy. For example, don‘t imply endorsement or affiliation with the WordPress project itself.
Here are a few proper uses of the WordPress logo:
- On your website‘s footer or sidebar to note it is powered by WordPress
- In blog posts, tutorials, or resources detailing how to use WordPress
- In marketing materials for a service offering WordPress support, training, design, etc.
And some improper uses to avoid:
- As your own company‘s logo or within your brand identity
- Displayed prominently on your website in a way that implies official affiliation with WordPress.org
- In ads falsely conveying endorsement by the WordPress project
As an experienced WordPress professional, I take care in using the WordPress logo and marks only when relevant, in ways that educate or inform about WordPress itself. Misuse can damage your reputation in the community.
You can use WordPress names and logos to promote the open source project. However, you cannot suggest formal affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by the WordPress Foundation where none exists.
Avoid language giving the impression that your company, products, or services are officially part of WordPress. For example:
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"Join our WordPress training course, as recommended by the WordPress Foundation." (wrong)
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"This is the official WordPress SEO plugin." (wrong)
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"We are the leading WordPress development agency." (okay, not claiming official affiliation)
Stating your use of WordPress for your website or product is fine. For example "Powered by WordPress" is allowed. But be careful not to misrepresent your relationship to the project.
I‘ve consulted many clients who unintentionally overstepped bounds by using language like "Number One WordPress Company" on their sites. While meant as marketing puffery, this could construe endorsement by WordPress itself.
Instead, keep language focused on you: "We‘re the #1 WordPress firm in Austin, TX." This avoids potential trademark conflicts.
Here are some tips from my experience on properly handling WordPress trademarks and logos without running afoul of the guidelines:
1. Attribute WordPress ownership
Whenever mentioning WordPress on your site, include a phrase like "WordPress is a trademark of WordPress Foundation." This attributes ownership and shows you recognize the trademarks.
2. Use product modifiers
Rather than just saying "WordPress services," say "Third-party WordPress services." This clarifies you aren‘t an official WordPress representative.
3. Avoid superlatives implying endorsement
Don‘t say you‘re the "Best WordPress Company" or "Top WordPress Consultant." This could insinuate endorsement which doesn‘t exist.
4. Follow logo guidelines
Only use unmodified, official WordPress logos in appropriate informational/educational contexts. Don‘t repurpose logos in other branding.
5. Link to trademark policy
Whenever significant mentions of WordPress appear on your site, link to the WordPress.org trademark policy. This shows you‘ve taken steps to understand and comply with it.
Taking these proactive measures helps avoid issues and builds trust with the WordPress community. As a webmaster, I use these tips in my own communications.
You may wonder why WordPress trademark rules are so stringent. Why does capitalization and misuse of the brand name matter so much?
The reality is that WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet. The software is used by millions of publishers, businesses, agencies, and more.
To maintain quality control over such a massive ecosystem, the WordPress Foundation needs to protect the WordPress brand. Proper handling of trademarks preserves the identity and ideals of the open source project.
Enforcing rules also protects website users. When someone sees "WordPress" in a domain name, they expect that site to be affiliated with WordPress.org in some way. Misleading sites damage trust in the brand.
Following the guidelines shows respect to the contributors who built WordPress and keep improving it every day. The community relies on the Foundation to govern the trademarks responsibly.
Adhering to the rules benefits the entire WordPress ecosystem. It allows countless companies and developers to build businesses around WordPress legally and successfully.
As a webmaster who has participated in the WordPress community for over 15 years, I‘ve witnessed the evolution of the trademark guidelines firsthand. The WordPress Foundation genuinely acts to steward trademarks for the benefit of all community members.
Proper WordPress branding enables an ecosystem where businesses like mine can thrive. It‘s worth every community member‘s effort to respect the trademarks.
The WordPress Foundation takes trademark violations seriously. If you use WordPress trademarks improperly, you may get an email asking you to comply with guidelines.
If the issue is not resolved, further legal action can follow. The Foundation may file disputes to gain control over domain names violating their trademark rights.
Court orders may require you to pay significant fees or damages. Failure to comply can also lead to loss of support from the WordPress community.
For example, in 2017, the well-known WP Curve hosting company was forced to give up their WPCurve.com domain after a legal dispute with WordPress.
These actions are meant to protect WordPress and its users, not punish people. But know that ignoring trademark rules can have real consequences.
As someone who relies on the goodwill of the WordPress community for my business, I take trademark guidelines seriously to avoid any conflicts or legal issues. The risks are not worth any temporary benefit ignored rules might provide.
To summarize the key WordPress trademark guidelines:
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Always capitalize ‘WordPress‘ properly
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Don‘t use ‘WordPress‘ in domain names
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Use official WordPress logos
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Don‘t imply endorsement from or affiliation with WordPress
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Attribute WordPress ownership
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Use product modifiers like "third-party"
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Avoid superlatives that could imply endorsement
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Follow logo guidelines strictly
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Link to trademark policy
Following these rules shows respect for the community. It also helps you avoid legal risks when building your website or business around WordPress.
The WordPress Foundation aims to govern its trademarks for the greater benefit of all. Your cooperation helps the open source project thrive far into the future.
As an experienced webmaster, my advice is to thoroughly learn and comply with all WordPress trademark guidelines. It protects the community, shows your professionalism, and allows you to use WordPress and participate openly without worry of inadvertent misuse.
