EU Copyright and Trademark Use

Overview

We are doing a really good thing here. And, we are also learning as we go, which means there will always be evolution and change. Because the Freecycle® concept is unique and amazingly successful, there are many who have and who would try to use it for personal gain and profit. For that reason, The Freecycle Network is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, and the Freecycle name and logo are both trademark protected. We need to do our best to properly use the Freecycle trademarks so that we don't lose the right to it.

The use of the term "Freecycle" denotes a gifting service which is officially approved by the nonprofit organization "The Freecycle Network," and one that the public can expect to adhere to certain standards. The Freecycle Network must approve any email list or web site that uses the term "Freecycle" in its name and provides any sort of exchange service.

General Trademark Usage Guidelines

1. While "The Freecycle Network" is a trade name, it also functions as a service mark -- i.e., a source indicator -- so it is okay to use an R or ® with it.

   For example: The Freecycle Network® or The Freecycle Network (R)

2. When used as a trade name (think proper name), the term "Freecycle" may be used in place of "The Freecycle Network" to allow sentences to be more concise.

   For example: While The Freecycle Network has been growing by leaps and bounds, Freecycle also remains true to its core mission.

3. The term "Freecycle" in text must always be capitalized to set it off from the surrounding text.

   For example: Freecycle groups are great!

4. In all other cases, the term "Freecycle" must be used as an adjective, never as a noun or verb. For example:
    

Note: new groups may use the word Freecycle in their group name/title, but should not be approved with any variations of the word Freecycle in their name, title or description, like freecycler, freecycling, freecycles.