Use of the Invertocat logo

[Bernmeister]

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Question

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Apologies as I could not find any other way/place to ask...

I would like to use the Invertocat logo (specifically the SVG version) in a Python3 appindicator which I plan to develop. The appindicator will be free and open-source and hosted with other appindicators which I have developed at https://github.com/iconindicators/appindicators.

Would this usage of the logo be acceptable to GitHub?

Thanks,

Bernard.

[manavpatil-dev0]

GitHub's logo policy does allow GitHub logos in third-party applications, but the important question is how the Invertocat is being used.

If the indicator simply represents GitHub functionality or links/interacts with GitHub, that seems much closer to the permitted use case. I would avoid modifying the SVG, incorporating it into your own project's branding, or presenting the app in a way that implies GitHub officially endorses it.

One concern is that GitHub's current brand guidance says the standalone Invertocat is generally used where the GitHub brand is already clearly established. So for a system tray/appindicator icon, I'd check the logo policy carefully or get written permission if there's any ambiguity.

Open source and free doesn't automatically make trademark usage unrestricted.

[Bernmeister]

@manavpatil-dev0 Thanks for the reply.

I should have mentioned that I had also sent an email to support@github.com (which I obtained from their Facebook page). Unfortunately that email bounced. I have been unable to find any other way to send a message to GitHub to confirm my use case.

Reading the usage section again and again, I note the following under Don’t do these things:

• Use as your logo - Do not use any GitHub logo as the icon or logo for your business/organization, offering, project, domain name, social media account, or website.
• Use without permission - Do not use GitHub trademarks, logos, or artwork without GitHub’s prior written permission.

From this reading, using the Invertocat logo as the icon for my software is not permitted. Further, it seems that using the Invertocat logo regardless requires permission, irrespective of the use.

Given I have been unable to contact GitHub formally to inquire, will play it safe and go for some boring icon such as a "GH" or similar.