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Version 1.0.0

Branding Guidelines

How to properly use OpenECU Alliance trademarks, logos, and terminology.

Key Terminology

Understanding the distinction between these terms is critical:

TermDefinitionExample
OpenECU AllianceThe organization that maintains standards and projectsThe governing body
OpenECU SpecThe technical specification for adapter formatsThis repository
OpenECU Spec-CompatibleThird-party applications implementing the specUltraLog, TunerPro
OpenECU Alliance ProjectProjects officially maintained by the AllianceFuture donated projects

Visual Distinction

OpenECU Alliance

(The Organization)

OpenECU Spec

(The Specification - Published and maintained by the Alliance)

Alliance Projects

  • - Maintained by the Alliance
  • - Donated by community
  • - Official support

Spec-Compatible Apps

  • - Independent developers
  • - Implement the spec
  • - Self-certified or formally certified

Naming Conventions

ContextCorrectIncorrect
The organizationOpenECU AllianceOpen ECU Alliance, OECUA, "The Alliance" (alone)
The specificationOpenECU SpecOpenECU Specification, OECUA Spec, "The Spec"
Compatible appsOpenECU Spec-CompatibleOpenECU Compatible, Alliance Compatible
Alliance projectsOpenECU Alliance ProjectAlliance Project, Official Project

First Reference Rule

On first reference in any document, use the full name:

"UltraLog is an OpenECU Spec-Compatible application..."

Subsequent references may use abbreviated forms.

Product Naming

DO NOT include "OpenECU" in your product name

CORRECT

"UltraLog - OpenECU Spec-Compatible Log Viewer"

INCORRECT

"OpenECU UltraLog" or "UltraLog OpenECU Edition"

Exception: Alliance Projects may use "OpenECU" in product names with Steering Committee approval.

Describing Your Application

Acceptable

  • OpenECU Spec-Compatible
  • Implements the OpenECU Spec
  • Supports OpenECU Spec adapters
  • Compatible with OpenECU Spec 1.0

NOT Acceptable

  • Official OpenECU application
  • OpenECU Certified (without formal certification)
  • Endorsed by OpenECU Alliance (without endorsement)
  • OpenECU Alliance Partner (without partnership)

Logo and Badge Usage

Available Assets

AssetUsageAvailability
Alliance LogoAlliance materials onlyRestricted
Spec LogoSpec documentationOpen use with attribution
Compatibility BadgeSpec-compatible appsOpen use (self-certified)
Certified BadgeFormally certified appsAfter certification
Alliance Project BadgeDonated projectsAlliance Projects only

Compatibility Badges

Available for self-certified applications:

OpenECU Spec Compatible
Level 2
v1.0

Requirements for badge use:

  • Meet all requirements for claimed compliance level
  • Link badge to compliance documentation
  • Include spec version number

Logo DOs

  • Use official assets from openecualliance.org/brand
  • Maintain minimum clear space around logos
  • Use on white or light backgrounds
  • Link to openecualliance.org when possible

Logo DON'Ts

  • Modify, distort, or recolor logos
  • Use logos as part of your own logo
  • Imply endorsement without authorization
  • Use Alliance logo for non-Alliance projects

Trademark Guidelines

Trademarks

The following are trademarks of the OpenECU Alliance:

OpenECU AllianceOpenECU SpecOpenECU Alliance logoOpenECU Spec logo

Fair Use (No Permission Needed)

  • Truthful references to the specification
  • Compatibility statements
  • Editorial or educational purposes

Permission Required

  • Use "OpenECU" in a product name
  • Use the Alliance logo
  • Claim "Official" or "Certified" status
  • Create derivative logos or badges

Quick Reference

What You CAN Say

  • Implements the OpenECU Spec
  • OpenECU Spec-Compatible
  • Supports OpenECU Spec adapters
  • Compatible with OpenECU Spec version 1.0
  • Verified against OpenECU Spec compliance tests

What You CANNOT Say (without authorization)

  • Official OpenECU application
  • OpenECU Certified (without formal certification)
  • Endorsed by OpenECU Alliance
  • OpenECU Alliance Partner
  • Powered by OpenECU Alliance
  • Using "OpenECU" in product name

Questions?

Branding Questions

branding@openecualliance.org

Compliance Questions

See Compliance Docs

Trademark Concerns

legal@openecualliance.org

Compliance Levels View on GitHub