Trademark Policy
1. Purpose
This Trademark Policy governs the use of the names, logos, and other brand identifiers associated with the TaxisDB Platform.
The TaxisDB Platform consists of:
- TaxisDB — the database engine, licensed under SSPLv1
- TaxisBase — the knowledge base, database model, and structured contents, licensed under ODbL v1.0 + DBCL v1.0
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Protect the identity and reputation of the TaxisDB Platform
- Prevent confusion about official and unofficial software or databases
- Allow accurate and fair reference to the Project
- Protect the Project’s trademarks independently of its open-source licenses
Open-source licenses grant copyright and database rights. They do not grant trademark rights.
2. Trademarks Covered
The following names and identifiers are protected by this policy:
- TaxisDB
- TaxisBase
- TaxisDB Platform
- Official project logos
- Official project icons
- Official project branding
- Any name, logo, or visual identity likely to cause confusion with the above
These are collectively referred to as the Project Trademarks.
3. Ownership
All Project Trademarks are owned exclusively by the Project owner.
Neither:
- the Server Side Public License (SSPLv1),
- the Open Database License (ODbL),
- the Database Contents License (DBCL),
nor any commercial agreement grants ownership of the Project Trademarks unless expressly stated in writing.
4. Permitted Uses
The Project Trademarks may be used without prior permission for truthful and non-misleading reference.
4.1 Accurate Reference
You may refer to TaxisDB or TaxisBase in:
- documentation
- tutorials
- books
- research papers
- blog posts
- package descriptions
- compatibility statements
- educational material
Examples:
This application stores data using TaxisDB.
This dataset extends TaxisBase.
4.2 Redistribution
You may redistribute the official, unmodified Project components under their respective licenses while referring to them by their official names.
This includes:
- TaxisDB under SSPLv1
- TaxisBase under ODbL + DBCL
4.3 Compatibility Statements
You may truthfully state that software, services, databases, or applications are compatible with:
- TaxisDB
- TaxisBase
- the TaxisDB Platform
provided the statement does not imply endorsement.
Example:
Compatible with TaxisDB.
4.4 Community Activities
Project Trademarks may be used for:
- user groups
- educational events
- workshops
- presentations
- conferences
provided it is clear that the event is unofficial unless expressly authorized.
5. Uses Requiring Permission
Written permission from the Project owner is required before using the Project Trademarks in the following situations.
5.1 Modified Software
Including:
- modified TaxisDB engines
- custom builds
- forks
- derivative engines
- patched releases
These may not be distributed using the official TaxisDB name unless authorized.
5.2 Modified Databases
Including adapted versions of TaxisBase such as:
- extended ontologies
- modified schemas
- customized knowledge bases
- redistributed adapted databases
ODbL permits distribution of adapted databases, but it does not grant the right to identify them as the official TaxisBase.
5.3 Commercial Products
Permission is required before using the Project Trademarks in connection with:
- commercial software
- enterprise products
- OEM products
- embedded products
- managed offerings
unless expressly licensed.
5.4 Hosted Services
Permission is required before using the Project Trademarks in:
- cloud services
- hosted database services
- managed TaxisDB offerings
- SaaS platforms
Compliance with SSPLv1 does not automatically grant trademark rights.
5.5 Company or Product Branding
The Project Trademarks may not be used in:
- company names
- business names
- product names
- service names
- package names
- application names
without written authorization.
5.6 Merchandise
Permission is required before producing or selling merchandise bearing Project Trademarks, including:
- clothing
- stickers
- mugs
- promotional materials
- digital merchandise
6. Prohibited Uses
The following uses are prohibited.
6.1 False Endorsement
You may not imply that the Project owner:
- approves
- certifies
- sponsors
- recommends
- partners with
your software, service, database, or organization unless explicit permission has been granted.
6.2 Passing Off
You may not present:
- a fork,
- a modified engine,
- an adapted TaxisBase database,
- or any derivative work
as the official Project.
6.3 Confusing Branding
You may not create names or logos that are confusingly similar to:
- TaxisDB
- TaxisBase
- TaxisDB Platform
or any official branding.
6.4 Removal of Notices
You may not remove or alter trademark notices contained within:
- source code
- documentation
- database metadata
- license files
- official distributions
7. Relationship with SSPLv1
TaxisDB is licensed under SSPLv1.
SSPLv1 governs software copyright.
It does not grant rights to:
- TaxisDB
- TaxisBase
- Project logos
- Project branding
A modified TaxisDB engine distributed under SSPLv1 must not be represented as the official TaxisDB unless authorized.
Examples:
Acceptable:
TaxisDB Fork (Unofficial)
MyCompany Database Engine based on TaxisDB
Not acceptable:
Official TaxisDB Enterprise
TaxisDB Professional
without permission.
8. Relationship with ODbL and DBCL
TaxisBase is licensed under ODbL v1.0 and DBCL v1.0.
Those licenses govern:
- database rights
- structured knowledge
- ontology
- database contents
They do not grant rights to use:
- TaxisBase
- TaxisDB
- Project logos
- Project branding
An adapted TaxisBase database distributed under ODbL must not be presented as the official TaxisBase unless authorized.
9. Relationship with Commercial Licensing
Commercial licenses may include additional trademark permissions.
Unless expressly granted in the applicable commercial agreement, commercial licensees may not:
- brand proprietary products as official TaxisDB or TaxisBase
- use official logos
- imply official partnership
- market modified versions using Project Trademarks
Commercial licensing and trademark licensing are separate.
10. Domain Names
Without written authorization, you may not register domain names containing:
- TaxisDB
- TaxisBase
- TaxisDB Platform
or confusingly similar variations intended to suggest official affiliation.
11. Enforcement
The Project owner reserves the right to:
- request correction or removal of unauthorized trademark use
- revoke previously granted permissions
- enforce trademark rights through applicable legal remedies
- update this policy as necessary
12. Contact
For trademark permissions, commercial licensing, partnerships, or branding inquiries:
Email: Athanassios