Windows Media Trademark Guidelines
All companies benefit from proper use of trademarks. Microsoft invests a lot in the products and technology that its trademarks represent by developing the products to be top quality and by marketing them so that consumers appreciate and demand that quality. The equity built up in Microsoft products and technology is represented in its trademarks.
This document provides guidelines for properly referring to the Windows Media trademark.
What Is Windows Media–Compatible Software?
Windows Media–compatible software is software that was created by using Windows Media products and that produces content that is playable by the Windows Media Player without additional plug-ins or additions required.
What Is a Windows Media File?
A Windows Media file is any software file that is created by using Microsoft Windows Media–brand products or is created using third-party products that incorporate and use a licensed Windows Media product.
How Is Content Created in the Windows Media Format?
Vendors must license a Microsoft Windows Media–brand product to enable an application to author, distribute, or play Windows Media–formatted content. Windows Media–formatted content is created by using a Windows Media product or a third-party tool that is licensed to use the Windows Media runtime.
Using the Windows Media Name
Companies that create products, Web sites, or content consistent with the previous criteria may use the "Windows Media" word mark on product packaging and in marketing materials to indicate that their products or services use Windows Media–brand products, provided they follow the guidelines outlined in this document.
Acceptable Descriptors
Use the appropriate descriptor on first mention when referring to any specific Windows Media–branded technology in your materials or on your Web site. In printed material, the first mention should include the properly placed registered trademark (®) symbol. Online, the first mention can include the trademark symbol, but it is not required.
Correct and Incorrect Uses of the Windows Media Trademark
Windows Media is a trademark that identifies Microsoft technology. Video or audio content that was created by using one of the Windows Media products should not be identified as "Windows Media." Instead it should be referred to as "Windows Media–based content" or "Windows Media–formatted content."
Correct:
This Web site hosts Windows Media–formatted content
Broadcast your event by using Windows Media Technologies
View a news clip with the Windows Media Player
Download a Windows Media file to listen to music
Use Windows Media Tools to create content
Incorrect:
This Web site delivers Windows Media
Broadcast Windows Media events
Listen to Windows Media songs
Download Windows Media content
Publish Windows Media to the Web
Distinguish Your Name from the Windows Media Name
The following guidelines will help you make proper referential use of the Windows Media trademark on product packaging, in advertising, on Web sites, and in other marketing materials.
Do Not Use Microsoft Trademarks as Part of Your Product Name
Microsoft trademarks may not be incorporated as part of the name of another company's product or service. You may not include "Windows," "Windows Media," or any potentially confusing variation in the name of your product or service. This same rule applies to other Microsoft trademarks, such as Microsoft, which should never be included in your product name or company name.
Use Microsoft Trademarks in a Proper Referential Manner
Use phrases such as "works with" or "for" in front of Windows Media to indicate that the product, Web site, or services use Windows Media Technologies. Your product name and company name must appear more prominently than Windows or Windows Media, and the Windows Media name should be visually distinguished from your product name. The Windows Media name should be substantially smaller and less conspicuous than your product name. This is important to avoid any implication that your product is produced, endorsed, or supported by Microsoft.
Correct:
Incorrect:
Widget Software's Windows Media
Windows Media from Widget Web Services
Widget with Windows Media
Do Not Imply Any Sponsorship or Endorsement by Microsoft
Do not use any language that implies that Microsoft, Windows, or Windows Media Technologies certifies or verifies your company, product, service, or the way in which your products or services are distributed. Do not use the mark in a manner that suggests that Microsoft is warranting or has tested your product or services.
Do not create any graphic or design out of the Windows Media trademark and do not include this trademark or name in any logos created by you or your company.
Do not include the name Windows or Windows Media in a domain name or use it to brand your Web site.
Use Proper Trademark Symbols and Notices
When you refer to the Windows Media name, include the following notice:
