---
jupytext:
  text_representation:
    extension: .md
    format_name: myst
kernelspec:
  display_name: Python 3
  language: python
  name: python3
myst:
  html_meta:
    "description lang=en": "PyGIS trademark policy. Rules for using the PyGIS name and logo, including permitted nominative use, attribution requirements, and prohibited uses."
    "keywords": "PyGIS, trademark, policy, brand, logo, nominative use"
    "property=og:locale": "en_US"
---

PyGIS™ Trademark Policy
=============================

**PyGIS™** and the **PyGIS™** logo (collectively, the "Marks") are trademarks of **Michael Mann** ("we", "us", "our"). This policy explains when and how you may — and may not — use the Marks. It is separate from, and applies in addition to, the [Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) license that covers the book's *content* and any open-source license that covers associated *code*. **Content and code licenses do not grant any right to use the Marks.**

## 1. Summary

- You **may** refer to PyGIS™ by name to describe, review, teach from, cite, or link to the project ("nominative fair use").
- You **may not** use the Marks in a way that suggests your product, service, course, fork, or organization is produced, sponsored, endorsed, or certified by PyGIS™ or Michael Mann, unless we give you written permission.
- You **may not** use the Marks (or confusingly similar names/logos) as the name of your own software package, book, course, company, domain, social account, or merchandise.

If in doubt, ask first: **mmann1123@gmail.com**.

## 2. Ownership and notice

The Marks are owned by Michael Mann. Please use the ™ symbol on first prominent use (e.g., "PyGIS™") and include attribution where reasonable:

> "PyGIS™ is a trademark of Michael Mann, used with permission / used for nominative reference."

## 3. Permitted uses (no permission required)

You may, without asking us:

1. **Refer to PyGIS™** in articles, blog posts, talks, academic papers, tutorials, and documentation to describe, review, compare, or cite the project.
2. **Link to** [https://pygis.io](https://pygis.io/) using the word "PyGIS™" as link text.
3. **Quote or reproduce book content** under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license, with proper attribution to PyGIS™ and the listed authors.
4. **Teach from** the book in courses, workshops, and reading groups, provided you do not imply that your course is an official PyGIS™ course or certification.
5. **Create derivative works of the content** under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — but you must rename the derivative. Do not title it "PyGIS", "PyGIS 2", "PyGIS Advanced", "PyGIS-X", etc.

## 4. Uses that require written permission

Contact **mmann1123@gmail.com** before:

1. Using "PyGIS" (or any confusingly similar term — e.g., "Py-GIS", "PyGIS.io", "PyGIS Pro", "PyGIS Certified") in the **name** of a software package, repository, book, course, certification, event, product, service, company, domain name, or social media handle.
2. Using the PyGIS™ **logo** in any publication, website, slide deck, or product beyond incidental editorial use.
3. Selling or distributing **merchandise** (shirts, stickers, etc.) bearing the Marks.
4. Offering **paid training, consulting, certification, or support services** branded with the Marks.
5. Any use likely to suggest **sponsorship, endorsement, affiliation, or official status**.

## 5. Prohibited uses

You may not:

1. Use the Marks in a **false, misleading, disparaging, or defamatory** way, or in a way that violates applicable law.
2. **Register** domains, trademarks, handles, or business names that incorporate "PyGIS" or a confusingly similar term.
3. **Modify the logo**, or combine it with other marks or imagery in a way that suggests endorsement or co-branding.
4. Imply you or your organization is **official, certified, or endorsed** when you are not.
5. Use the Marks on sites or products that promote **malware, harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity**.

## 6. Forks, redistributions, and "compatible" tools

You may fork or redistribute the open-source content and code under its applicable license, but:

- Rename your fork. Do not use "PyGIS" or a confusingly similar term as the primary name.
- You may say, factually and in a non-branding context: *"based on PyGIS™"* or *"compatible with PyGIS™"*. Do not make this the most prominent element of your branding.

## 7. Reservation of rights

All rights in the Marks not expressly granted here are reserved. We may update this policy at any time. Continued use of the Marks after an update constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. We may revoke permission for any use that, in our reasonable judgment, harms the PyGIS™ brand or misleads users.

## 8. Reporting misuse & requesting permission

To report misuse of the Marks, or to request written permission for a use that isn't covered above, contact:

**Michael Mann** — mmann1123@gmail.com

Please include: your name/organization, the intended use, where it will appear, and how long the use will last.

---

*Last updated: 2026-04-22.*