Logo & Trademark Policy

Last updated: Jan 1, 2026

The OpenROAD Project (“OpenROAD”) name, logos, and related trademarks (“OpenROAD Marks”) identify the OpenROAD open-source project and help users distinguish official project resources from third-party materials. This policy explains how the OpenROAD Marks may be used to support open collaboration while preventing confusion or misuse.

1. Ownership

The OpenROAD name, logo, and related trademarks are owned by the OpenROAD Initiative and/or its governing organization. Ownership of the OpenROAD Marks is separate from the open-source licenses that govern the OpenROAD software.

Nothing in this policy grants any ownership rights in the OpenROAD Marks.

2. General Principles

OpenROAD encourages broad community use of its name and logo to refer to the project accurately and factually. At the same time, trademark law requires the project to prevent uses that could mislead users or imply endorsement where none exists.

All permitted uses must:

  • Be truthful and non-misleading

  • Avoid suggesting sponsorship, endorsement, or certification

  • Respect the integrity of the OpenROAD Marks

3. Permitted Uses (No Prior Permission Required)

You may use the OpenROAD name and logo without prior written permission for the following purposes, provided the use complies with this policy:

  • Referencing OpenROAD in articles, blogs, research papers, presentations, or documentation

  • Identifying software, research, or educational material that uses or integrates OpenROAD

  • Non-commercial community activities such as meetups, workshops, tutorials, and academic courses

  • Linking to the OpenROAD website, documentation, or source code repositories

  • News reporting and factual media coverage about OpenROAD Initiative

The OpenROAD logo must be used unaltered and only to refer to OpenROAD itself.

4. Attribution

When reasonable, uses of the OpenROAD name or logo should include attribution such as:

“OpenROAD is an open-source project. The OpenROAD name and logo are trademarks of The OpenROAD Initiative.”

5. Prohibited Uses

You may not use the OpenROAD Marks in ways that:

  • Suggest official endorsement, sponsorship, or certification by OpenROAD without authorization

  • Imply that a product, service, or organization is officially part of OpenROAD when it is not

  • Incorporate the OpenROAD name or logo into another product name, company name, or logo

  • Modify, stylize, distort, or combine the logo with other logos or graphics

  • Use the OpenROAD Marks in a misleading, deceptive, or disparaging manner

  • Use the OpenROAD Marks in connection with illegal, unethical, or harmful activities

6. Commercial Use

Commercial use of the OpenROAD Marks requires prior written permission from the OpenROAD Initiative.

Examples of commercial use include:

  • Use in marketing or promotional materials for products or services

  • Use in sales presentations, advertisements, or commercial websites

  • Use that implies commercial endorsement or partnership

Approved partners may use the OpenROAD Marks only as explicitly authorized in writing.

7. Logo Usage Guidelines

When using the OpenROAD logo:

  • Do not alter colors, proportions, orientation, or design

  • Do not add effects, overlays, or additional text

  • Do not combine the logo with other logos into a single graphic

  • Resizing is allowed provided the aspect ratio is preserved

  • Use sufficient spacing so the logo remains clear and legible

If official logo files or brand assets are provided, only those versions should be used.

8. Domain Names and Social Media

You may not register domain names, social media handles, or accounts that:

  • Are identical or confusingly similar to the OpenROAD name

  • Imply official affiliation with the OpenROAD Initiative

Community or user groups should use clear modifiers (e.g., “openroad-users-xyz”) and avoid presenting themselves as official.

9. Revocation of Permission

The OpenROAD Initiative reserves the right to revoke permission to use the OpenROAD Marks at any time if a use is found to violate this policy or create confusion about affiliation or endorsement.

10. Enforcement

OpenROAD may request modification or discontinuation of any use of its Marks that does not comply with this policy. Continued use after notice may result in further action as permitted by law.

11. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.

12. Contact

For questions, clarification, or permission requests related to the OpenROAD name or logo, please contact:

Email: Website: theopenroadproject.org