[tor-project] Potential trademark violation - TOR Browser PRO

[kat]

On Fri, 4 Jan 2019, isabela wrote:

> Hello everyone,
>
> On 1/4/19 4:09 AM, Wendy Seltzer wrote:
>> On 1/4/19 3:08 AM, emma peel wrote:
>>> Nima Fatemi:
>>>>> I did see a number of unauthorized t-shirts and hoodies online yesterday as well. I’ll add them to my list.
>>>>
>>>> We send the letters to these apps so the snake-oil ones are pulled and
>>>> the ones that are legit, are more clear that they're not affiliated or
>>>> endorsed by the tor project, as there's a good chance of harming the
>>>> users who seek privacy and anonymity.
>>>>
>>>> But why are we sending letters who print Tor tshirts and hoodies? Are we
>>>> gonna do the same with stickers too? I wonder what's the logic behind
>>>> that...
>>>
>>> I agree with Nima here. I would not enforce trademark protections on hoodies or t-shirts, only on fishy software, or something that may contain malicious software...
>>
>> It's true Tor's primary products and services aren't t-shirts. If
>> someone is using the logo on a shirt in a way that celebrates the Tor
>> project, I'd agree that's fine.
>>
>> If they're using it to make false associations that tarnish the mark, or
>> pretending that their sales support Tor without in fact sending Tor
>> money, we should complain.
>>
>> --Wendy
>>
>
> Afaik we haven't send any letter to people regarding shirts, stickers,
> hoodies yet. I agree with the above and I *think* (haven't spoke with
> Jon yet) where Jon was coming from was just the fact of 'use of the logo
> without permission' but I believe with the explanations above that I
> agree with he now understands better where is the line here :) so we
> won't be sending any letter regarding this type of usage of our logo.

I just had a relay operator ask if he could get the logo printed on some
clothing to give to his friends. I told him yes, with Wendy's caveats.
His local t-shirt shop isn't willing to do it without official
authorization from us. Thoughts? Is this a thing we want to get into as
active participants? Or just something we won't move to crack down on if
it happens?

  -Kat