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By - Darren Straight

Microsoft Windows Live Trademark Guidelines

Has anybody read the Microsoft Windows Live Trademark Guidelines before?

I was just checking them again now after seeing a Windows Live graphics design logo by Emexci titled “Live is Good” which made me think about some trademark issues that may arise with Emexci’s Design Logo by referring to Windows Live as Live!

Overview
Follow these guidelines to ensure that you are referring to Windows Live correctly in all print and online communications.

Trademark Usage
Windows Live is a trademark. The official product name includes the trademark symbol () as shown here:

Windows Live

Note: Do not include a registered trademark symbol (®) after Windows when it is part of the Windows Live name.
 
Referencing the Product Name

  • Although Windows Live (without including Microsoft) is preferred, it is okay to use “Microsoft® Windows Live” on the first mention if it is necessary from a business perspective to do so.
  • The first time that Windows Live is mentioned in body copy, include a reference to the product as “online services” and the appropriate trademark symbol (). For example, “Consumers love the new Windows Live online services.”
  • Always use the full Windows Live name in body copy.
  • Never refer to the product just as Live. Always include Windows in the product name.
  • Never abbreviate Windows Live as in Win, WinL, or WL.
  • When Windows Live is referenced in printed marketing materials, include the following attribution of Microsoft’s ownership of the Windows Live trademark:
    Windows Live is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
  • Always use Windows Live as an adjective modifying the generic noun—for example, “Windows Live online services.” Do not use the mark as a noun or verb.
  • Never use Windows Live in the possessive, as in, “Windows Live’s security features are impressive.” Instead say, “The security features of the Windows Live operating system are impressive.”
  • Do not use the general term “live” to refer to the product as in “Did you sign up for live?”

Special Considerations for Third Parties

  • Always maintain a visual distinction between the third-party company and product name and the Windows Live trademark. Windows Live should be less prominent.
  • Do not use Windows Live in your product or service name or in your company name.
  • Do not use product, service, or company names that could be confused with the Windows Live trademark.
  • Do not mimic or copy Windows Live advertising or trade dress.
  • Do not create or use any logos that include the Windows Live trademark unless pursuant to a license from Microsoft.
  • Do not use any Windows Live brand elements, including logos, color blends, and screenshots, in third-party materials unless pursuant to a license from Microsoft.

 

2 thoughts on “Microsoft Windows Live Trademark Guidelines

Windows Live Services Feedback Page Updated for April 2007! » Darren Straight’s Blog April 15, 2007 at 10:43 pm

[…] Which is kind of funny as it contradicts the Windows Live Trademark Guidelines which I’ve previously talked about before, as the Windows Live Trademark Guidelines clearly state in bold ”Never refer to the product just as Live. Always include Windows in the product name.” but here we have it Microsoft naming Windows Live Services without the “Windows” part, though I guess the guidlines do say product and not service but hey they are near enough the same thing! […]

Marilynn November 14, 2013 at 9:13 am

Having read this I believed it was very enlightening. I appreciate
you finding the time and effort to put this short article together.
I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time
both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

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