Guidelines for the Use of the Chorke, Inc. Trademarks

We believe in our core mission to "make the Internet a better place to get expert answers to your questions." We decided early on that all user-generated content in the Chorke Network would be given back to the community under a Creative Commons license. We created the Chorke API as a way to allow users to write applications which use the Chorke Network in new and creative ways. With open access to use (and reuse) our services, it is important that users not be confused by our relationship with the people who use our content and our services.

1. What this Document Covers

   This document is designed to establish guidelines for use of our names (copyright) and logos (trademarks). The "names" and "logos" discussed here refer collectively to any site or service on the Chorke network and Chorke Inc. This document does not replace or waive any rights protected under Trademark or Copyright law. Please note:

   • If you would like to use our trademark or name in ways not clearly covered by this document, please contact us.
   • If you ever stumble across anything that looks like it violates our copyright, trademark, or policies, please let us know.

2. Trademark and Copyright

   The logos associated with Chorke Inc. and any Chorke site are a trademark. The purpose of trademark law is to prevent consumers from being misled as to the origin of a product. So if you were making a product, and you used a Chorke name or logo in your product (or in its advertising) in such a way that would mislead someone into thinking that your product was owned by, operated by, endorsed by, or in any way part of Chorke Inc., you would be violating the trademark and this would not be legal.

   Our logo images and site names are copyrighted. Any content on the Chorke Network not contributed by users is copyrighted. Copyright is different than trademark. Ordinarily you couldn't copy it. But if you were writing a news story or blog post about a Chorke site, reproducing the logo image would almost certainly be considered "fair use" and allowed under trademark law because you were not using it "in trade."

3. Naming your Product, Application, Website, or Domain Name

   We want you to create awesome products, applications, and web sites (collectively "products") using the Chorke API . We want people to recognize your product as an enhancement of the Chorke ecosystem and use it with enthusiasm. But Chorke is the name of our company and services, so we have to be cautious about any confusion that may cause.

   • Do name your application with something unique. Including one of the terms, "Chorke" or "Academia" or "Software" in your product name is generally okay.
   • Do feel free to explain that your product is built on the Chorke platform so people understand your product.
   • Do not use our name in the name of your product.
   • Do not register or use a domain name containing our name (or misspellings of our name).
   • Do not apply for a trademark with a name that includes our own.

4. Design of Your Product

   • Do design your product with unique branding and logos.
   • Do feel free to use names or logos for the purpose of labeling our sites within your product, as long as use of such logos could not be confused with the branding or endorsement of the product itself.
   • Do not copy the look and feel of our products.
   • Do not include elements of our network that are not user-contributed content (i.e. no copyright material).
   • Do not use our name, logo, or service to promote or allow fraudulent, abusive, or otherwise illegal activities.

5. Use of Our Name or Logo in Advertising

   • Do use the most current logo where applicable and permitted.
   • Do use the proper name for our company, product, or service (see "Proper Use of the Chorke Name" below).
   • Do not use our logo unless you have been granted special permission by Chorke, Inc.
   • Do not use our name or logo in a way that might imply a false sense of partnership or endorsement with your product.
   • Do not use any name or logo that is similar to or might be confused with our name or logo.
   • Do not distort or alter our logo in any way.
   • Do not use our logo in a way that confuses our brand with another brand
   • Do not use any other artwork from our network without explicit permission.

6. Promoting your own Account

   • Do feel free to use your profile "Flair" to reference or link to your user account. Use of unaltered logos in the context of displaying the entire content of User Flair is generally okay.
   • Do use the same guidelines as "Advertising" when promoting your own account.
   • Do not manipulate the logos or imply sponsorship, endorsement, or false information related to your association or account on Chorke.

7. Writing a Book About Chorke

   • Do make sure the title of your book makes clear that it's a book about Chorke, and not by Chorke. For example, "Learning how to use Chorke" is appropriate, whereas "The Chorke Guide to Q&A" is not.
   • Do not use a confusing book title which might imply your book is endorsed or written by us.
   • Do not use our logo on your cover or in your title.
   • Do not use our name, logo, or service to promote or allow fraudulent, abusive, or otherwise illegal activities.

8. Merchandise/Manufactured Items

   We generally do not permit use of our name or logo on merchandise.

   • Do contact Chorke, Inc. with a detailed proposal if you would like to request an exception.
   • Do not use the names or logos owned by Chorke, Inc. on any apparel or merchandise without our permission.

9. Proper Use of the Chorke Name

   There is some confusion around the proper use and context of the Chorke name. Here are some guidelines:

   • Chorke, Inc. is the official name of the company.
   • Chorke Academia is a programmer Q&A site on the Chorek Network. As a name, Chorke Academia, is always written "Chorke Academia" (two words, capital letters). The website domain name is always written chorke (dot) org.
   • A Chorke site is a Q&A website built on the technology of Chorke, Inc. The phrase "Chorke" is generally used as a noun.
   • The Chorke Network refers to the collection of Chorke sites and services.
   • The Chorke API allows users to write applications based on the Chorke engine. The API is always referred to as "Chorke API", even if the application is written for a specific site (i.e. never Academia API, Farmacia API, etc.).
   • The Chorke Blog is the company blog which talks about everything we're doing on all our sites and what the company itself is doing.

   The Chorke name and logos are trademarks of Chorke, Inc. The names and logos for sites and products operating on the Chorke network are also trademarks of Chorke, Inc.