What is a trademark?

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, “a trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination of words, phrases, symbols or designs, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others. ”

Is the Joomla! name trademarked?

Yes, the name is trademarked by Open Source Matters. Open Source Matters is currently in the process of registering the trademark in the US. A trademark does not have to be registered to exist and to be the exclusive property of an entity. Registration simple means that the Trademark Office has acknowledged the trademark and determined that it does not conflict with any other existing trademarks.

Is the Joomla! logo trademarked?

Yes, the logo is trademarked by Open Source Matters. Open Source Matters is currently in the process of registering the trademark in the US. A trademark does not have to be registered to exist and be the exclusive property of an entity. Registration simple means that the Trademark Office has acknowledged the trademark and determined that it does not conflict with any other existing trademarks.

Why aren't the logo and name covered by the GPL?

The GPL is a license that defines the terms of use for the Joomla! code. A license does not serve the same function as a copyright or trademark and the GPL itself is designed for software not for logos or names.

If Joomla! is free and open source, why does it need to protect its trademarks?

Trademarks protect the work of the project and the individuals contributing to it by preventing the exploitation of the good name of Joomla! by other people or organizations. The trademark also prevents confusion of other organizations or companies with Joomla! or Open Source Matters.

The name and logo are very different than the Joomla! codebase, which is freely available for you to inspect, modify and redistribute under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL).

Could I take the Joomla! code base, give it a totally new name and logo, and distribute it?

Yes, so long as you abide by the terms of the GNU GPL and if the new name and logo do not violate the trademarks.

If I have a product name with the word Joomla! in it, what should I do?

First, make a name use request using the form, providing all of the requested information,.

We would prefer that names of extensions be of the form xxx for Joomla! Rather than Joomla! Xxx, but we recognize that existing products with various names incorporating Joomla! are well established.

Second, make sure that you make it clear on your website and elsewhere that the product is independent of the Joomla! Project, joomla.org and Open Source Matters.

If I have a domain name with the word Joomla! in it, what should I do?

First, review the domain name use policy.

Second, register your use using the form on the Open Source Matters website.

Third, make it clear on your website and elsewhere that you have no official connection with Open Source Matters, the Joomla! project or joomla.org.

Where can I learn more about trademarks?

The best source of information on trademarks is the US Trademarks and Patents Office. In addition there are many web sources with information on trademark law.