Files
psysonic/TRADEMARK.md
T
Frank Stellmacher 7f03a9536a docs: add NOTICE, TRADEMARK, and README forking guidance (#474)
* docs: add NOTICE and TRADEMARK files

Adds a NOTICE.md with the GPLv3 §7(b) attribution-preservation terms
that derivative works must carry forward, and a TRADEMARK.md that
covers the Psysonic name, logo, brand identity, and the names of
original Psysonic features (in particular Orbit) — none of which are
licensed under the GPLv3.

Forks remain free under GPLv3 to reuse the code, but must rename
Psysonic-branded assets and feature names, and must preserve the
attribution that original Psysonic features were designed and
implemented in this project.

* docs(readme): add Forks and Attribution section

Points readers at the GPLv3 freedoms while clarifying the expectations
for forks: keep the project name and feature names as documented in
TRADEMARK.md, preserve attribution as required by NOTICE.md, and do
not present original Psysonic work (such as Orbit) as independent
creations of a fork.
2026-05-06 10:17:28 +02:00

2.7 KiB

Trademark Notice

The Psysonic source code is licensed under the GNU GPLv3. The Psysonic name, logo, wordmark, visual brand identity, and the names of original Psysonic features are not — they are excluded from the GPLv3 grant and remain the property of the Psysonic project maintainers.

Covered Marks

  • The name "Psysonic" (in any capitalization or stylization)
  • The Psysonic logo and icon (public/psysonic-inapp-logo.svg, app icons, tray icons, installer artwork)
  • The Psysonic wordmark and any derivative branding
  • The names of original Psysonic features that function as feature identity, in particular "Orbit"

What You May Do

  • Use the Psysonic name to factually refer to the upstream project (e.g. "based on Psysonic", "a fork of Psysonic", "compatible with Psysonic").
  • Redistribute unmodified Psysonic builds under the Psysonic name, in accordance with the GPLv3.
  • Link to the official Psysonic repository, website, and community channels.

What You May Not Do

  • Use the Psysonic name, logo, or branding for a modified or rebranded fork, distribution, or derivative product.
  • Name a fork in a way that suggests it is Psysonic, an official release of Psysonic, or endorsed by the Psysonic project (e.g. "Psysonic Pro", "Psysonic Plus", "Psysonic Next", "MyPsysonic").
  • Reuse the Psysonic logo, icon set, or installer artwork in a fork or derivative product, even with modifications.
  • Continue to use the feature name "Orbit" in a fork or derivative. If your fork ships the Orbit feature (or code derived from it), you must rename the user-facing feature.
  • Present original Psysonic features (such as Orbit) as independent creations of a fork. See NOTICE.md for the attribution requirements that apply to derivative works under GPLv3 §7(b).
  • Imply sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation with the Psysonic project where none exists.

Forking Done Right

You are warmly invited to fork the code under the GPLv3. If you publish a fork or derivative, please:

  1. Choose your own distinct project name and branding.
  2. Keep the GPLv3 license, copyright notices, and the NOTICE.md file intact (this is required, not optional — see NOTICE.md).
  3. State clearly that your project is based on Psysonic and link back to the upstream repository.
  4. Replace Psysonic-branded assets (logos, icons, installer art, wordmarks) with your own.
  5. If you ship features that originated in Psysonic (such as Orbit), rename the user-facing feature and credit Psysonic as the original designer and implementer.

Questions

If you are unsure whether a planned use of the Psysonic name or branding is acceptable, please open an issue or contact the maintainers before publishing.