Overview

The Tor Project owns several trademarks, including "Tor," "Tor Browser," and the distinctive onion logo. These trademarks help users identify authentic Tor software and services while preventing confusion in the marketplace and protecting user security.

This policy outlines how third parties may use our trademarks in a way that supports the Tor community while protecting the integrity of our brand and the trust users place in Tor software for their privacy and security needs.

Registered Trademarks

• Tor® - Our primary trademark for the anonymity network and related software
• Tor Browser® - Trademark for our privacy-focused web browser
• Onion Logo - Our distinctive logo design and variations
• The Tor Project - Our organization name and branding

Permitted Uses

You may use our trademarks without explicit permission in the following circumstances:

Educational and Informational Use

• Academic research papers and presentations about privacy technology
• News articles and journalism covering Tor or online privacy
• Educational materials teaching about internet privacy and security
• Conference presentations and security workshops
• Non-commercial educational documentation and tutorials

Commentary and Criticism

• Security analyses and vulnerability research
• Reviews of Tor Browser or related software
• Policy discussions about privacy technology
• Fair commentary in blogs, articles, or social media
• Academic studies and research publications

Community Use

• User documentation and tutorials for legitimate use
• Community support forums and help resources
• Open source projects that integrate with or extend Tor
• Non-commercial community events and meetups
• Personal blogs and websites promoting privacy awareness

Restrictions and Prohibited Uses

The following uses of our trademarks are strictly prohibited and may result in legal action:

Commercial Restrictions

• Using our trademarks in company names, product names, or domain names without permission
• Selling products or services using our trademarks
• Creating commercial derivative works based on our branding
• Implying endorsement or affiliation without authorization
• Using our marks for profit without proper licensing

Misrepresentation

• Modifying our logos or using unauthorized variations
• Creating confusingly similar marks or logos
• Using our trademarks to promote illegal activities
• Suggesting false association with The Tor Project
• Distributing modified versions of our software under our trademarks

Usage Guidelines

When using our trademarks, please follow these guidelines to ensure proper representation:

Logo Usage

• Always use the official logo files provided in our brand asset downloads
• Maintain adequate clear space around the logo (minimum 1x the height of the onion)
• Use appropriate contrast and ensure legibility on all backgrounds
• Never stretch, skew, or otherwise distort the logo proportions
• Don't use low-resolution versions that appear pixelated

Typography and Naming

• Always capitalize "Tor" and "Tor Browser" as proper nouns
• Include appropriate trademark symbols on first use (Tor®, Tor Browser®)
• Use "the Tor network" rather than just "Tor" when referring to the network
• Distinguish between "Tor" (the software) and "The Tor Project" (the organization)
• Use consistent spelling and capitalization throughout your content

Attribution

When using our trademarks, include appropriate attribution such as:

Usage Examples

Here are examples of correct and incorrect trademark usage:

Enforcement and Violations

We actively monitor the use of our trademarks and take enforcement action when necessary to protect our brand and users from confusion or misrepresentation.

Reporting Violations

If you encounter misuse of our trademarks, please report it to our legal team. Include:

• Detailed description of the alleged violation
• URL or location where the violation occurs
• Screenshots or other supporting evidence
• Your contact information for follow-up
• Date and time when the violation was discovered

Enforcement Actions

Depending on the severity and nature of the violation, we may:

• Send a cease and desist letter
• Request voluntary compliance and correction
• File formal legal proceedings
• Seek damages for willful infringement
• Pursue takedown actions where appropriate

Questions and Permissions

If you have questions about trademark usage or need permission for uses not covered by this policy, please contact our legal team:

• Email: trademark@torproject.org
• Subject Line: Include "Trademark Inquiry" for faster processing
• Response Time: We typically respond within 5-7 business days
• Documentation: Include detailed information about your intended use

For commercial licensing opportunities or partnership inquiries, please provide detailed information about your intended use, including the scope, duration, and commercial nature of the proposed use.