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TRADEMARK

AutoBotSolutions edited this page Apr 27, 2026 · 1 revision

Trademark Policy

Overview

This Trademark Policy governs the use of the Cognitive Engine trademarks, logos, and other brand identifiers. The Cognitive Engine project maintains certain trademark rights to protect the identity and reputation of the project and its community.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods of one party from those of others. Trademarks include:

  • Project name: "Cognitive Engine"
  • Logo: The Cognitive Engine logo
  • Domain names: cognitiveengine.org, cognitive-engine.io
  • Social media handles: @cognitiveengine
  • Other distinctive marks associated with the project

Registered Trademarks

The following are registered or unregistered trademarks of the Cognitive Engine project:

  • Cognitive Engine - The primary project name
  • Cognitive Engine Logo - The official project logo
  • "Explicit Thought Formation" - Tagline and descriptive phrase
  • "From Answering to Thinking" - Project slogan

Permitted Uses

You may use the Cognitive Engine trademarks without prior written permission in the following circumstances:

Nominative Fair Use

  • Referencing the project: You may use the Cognitive Engine name to truthfully and accurately refer to the Cognitive Engine project or software
  • Descriptive use: You may use the name to describe that your software works with, is based on, or is compatible with the Cognitive Engine
  • News and commentary: Journalists and analysts may use the trademarks in news articles, reviews, and commentary
  • Educational use: Educators may use the trademarks in educational materials

Source Distribution

  • Package naming: When distributing unmodified source code, you may use the original package names
  • Repository naming: Forked repositories may use the original project name to indicate origin
  • Binary distribution: Unmodified binary distributions may use the original trademarks

Attribution

  • Acknowledging use: When using the Cognitive Engine software, you may acknowledge its use with the project name
  • Credit: You may credit the Cognitive Engine project in your software's documentation

Prohibited Uses

You may NOT use the Cognitive Engine trademarks without prior written permission in the following circumstances:

Confusing Uses

  • Similar names: Using names that are confusingly similar to Cognitive Engine
  • Similar logos: Using logos that are confusingly similar to the Cognitive Engine logo
  • Domain names: Registering domain names that include "Cognitive Engine" or similar terms
  • Social media: Creating social media accounts using the Cognitive Engine name or logo

Commercial Exploitation

  • Product names: Using the trademarks as part of your product name
  • Service names: Using the trademarks as part of your service name
  • Company names: Using the trademarks in your company name
  • Merchandise: Creating merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, etc.) with the trademarks

Implying Endorsement

  • Endorsement claims: Using the trademarks to imply endorsement by the Cognitive Engine project
  • Official claims: Using the trademarks to suggest your product is official
  • Affiliation claims: Using the trademarks to suggest affiliation with the project

Modified Distributions

  • Modified software: Using the trademarks on modified versions of the software
  • Derivative works: Using the trademarks on derivative works
  • Forks: Using the trademarks on project forks (unless clearly indicating it's a fork)

Advertising

  • Paid advertising: Using the trademarks in paid advertising without permission
  • Keyword advertising: Using the trademarks as keywords in search advertising
  • Competitive advertising: Using the trademarks to imply superiority or inferiority

Modified Versions

If you modify the Cognitive Engine software and distribute it:

  • Remove trademarks: You must remove all Cognitive Engine trademarks from your distribution
  • Use alternative names: You must use a different name that clearly distinguishes your version
  • Clarify modifications: You must clearly indicate that your version is a modified fork
  • Provide attribution: You may still acknowledge the original project in your documentation

Forks and Derivatives

When creating a fork or derivative work:

  • Choose a new name: Select a name that is not confusingly similar to Cognitive Engine
  • Create a new logo: Design a logo that is not confusingly similar to the Cognitive Engine logo
  • Indicate origin: Clearly indicate that your project is a fork or derivative
  • Provide attribution: Acknowledge the original Cognitive Engine project

Logo Usage Guidelines

If you have permission to use the Cognitive Engine logo:

  • Use official versions: Use only the official logo files provided by the project
  • Do not modify: Do not modify, distort, or alter the logo
  • Maintain aspect ratio: Always maintain the original aspect ratio
  • Provide clear space: Maintain clear space around the logo
  • Use appropriate colors: Use the logo in its original colors or grayscale
  • Do not animate: Do not animate the logo without permission

Domain Name Policy

  • No cybersquatting: Do not register domain names containing "Cognitive Engine"
  • No typosquatting: Do not register domain names that are typos of cognitiveengine.org
  • No confusion: Do not register domain names that could be confused with official domains
  • Redirects: Do not set up redirects from such domains to official sites

Social Media Policy

  • No impersonation: Do not create accounts that impersonate the official Cognitive Engine accounts
  • Clear identification: If you create a community account, clearly identify it as unofficial
  • No official claims: Do not claim to speak for the Cognitive Engine project
  • No logo misuse: Do not use the official logo without permission

Merchandise Policy

  • No unauthorized merchandise: Do not create or sell merchandise with the trademarks
  • Official merchandise only: Only official merchandise is authorized
  • Community guidelines: Follow community guidelines for fan art and non-commercial use

Requesting Permission

To request permission to use the Cognitive Engine trademarks in ways not covered by this policy:

  • Email: autobotsolution@gmail.com
  • Company: (Software Customs) Auto Bot Solution
  • Owner: Robert Trenaman
  • Address: Flushing MI
  • Include: Detailed description of your proposed use
  • Allow time: Allow 2-4 weeks for a response
  • Provide context: Include context about your project or organization

Trademark Enforcement

The Cognitive Engine project reserves the right to:

  • Enforce rights: Enforce its trademark rights against unauthorized uses
  • Protect reputation: Take action to protect the project's reputation
  • Prevent confusion: Prevent consumer confusion
  • Maintain quality: Ensure quality and consistency of the brand

Reporting Infringement

To report trademark infringement:

  • Email: autobotsolution@gmail.com
  • Company: (Software Customs) Auto Bot Solution
  • Owner: Robert Trenaman
  • Address: Flushing MI
  • Include: Details of the infringement
  • Provide evidence: Include screenshots, links, or other evidence
  • Be specific: Be as specific as possible about the infringement

Trademark License

For certain uses, the Cognitive Engine project may grant a trademark license. A trademark license:

  • Is written: Must be in writing and signed by both parties
  • Is specific: Specifies the exact permitted uses
  • May have conditions: May include conditions and quality standards
  • Is revocable: May be revoked for breach of terms

Community Trademark Policy

The Cognitive Engine project follows these community trademark principles:

  • Openness: We are open to reasonable uses that benefit the community
  • Clarity: We want to avoid confusion in the marketplace
  • Quality: We want to maintain quality and consistency
  • Fairness: We apply this policy fairly and consistently

Trademark and Open Source

This trademark policy is separate from and does not affect the software license (AGPL-3.0). You may:

  • Use the software: Use the software under the AGPL-3.0 license
  • Modify the software: Modify the software under the AGPL-3.0 license
  • Distribute the software: Distribute the software under the AGPL-3.0 license
  • Fork the software: Fork the software under the AGPL-3.0 license

However, trademark restrictions apply separately to the use of the Cognitive Engine name and logo.

Common Questions

Can I use "Cognitive Engine" in my blog post?

Yes, you may use the name in a blog post to truthfully refer to the project.

Can I use the Cognitive Engine logo on my website?

Only if you have written permission from the project.

Can I name my fork "Cognitive Engine Plus"?

No, this would be confusingly similar and is not permitted.

Can I sell merchandise with the Cognitive Engine logo?

No, this is not permitted without a written trademark license.

Can I use "Cognitive Engine" in my domain name?

No, this is not permitted as it could cause confusion.

Can I claim my software is "official Cognitive Engine"?

No, only the official project may make such claims.

Contact Information

For questions about this trademark policy:

Disclaimer

This trademark policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice regarding trademarks, please consult with a qualified trademark attorney.

Updates

This trademark policy may be updated from time to time. Check the project website for the most current version.

Effective Date

This trademark policy is effective as of January 1, 2024.

License to Use This Policy

This trademark policy document is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0). You may copy, adapt, and redistribute it, provided you give appropriate credit and share adaptations under the same license.

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