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Research In Motion Limited (“RIM”) Trademarks, Logos & Imagery
RIM is the owner of the ubiquitous BlackBerry® trademark and other trademarks. These trademarks symbolize RIM’s reputation and goodwill and serve to identify and distinguish its products, and services from those of others. Consumers expect that products, software or services bearing a RIM trademark are manufactured or controlled by RIM and are thus of consistently high quality. To maintain the distinctiveness of RIM Trademarks, Logos & Imagery as representing RIM’s products, software and services, RIM must take steps to ensure that third parties do not use these assets in such a manner as to confuse consumers into believing there is an affiliation with RIM or endorsement by RIM, when in fact there is none. Thus, use of RIM Trademarks, Logos & Imagery by third parties is not generally permitted except through express written RIM authorization, such as through a RIM Partner Program and as set out in the Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks.
These Guidelines provide the reader with information when referring to our RIM Trademarks and Imagery. Use of our RIM Logos is reserved for partners in the RIM Partner Programs.
Please refer to the following Trademark Links:
- Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks
- RIM Trademark List
- Guidelines for Use of RIM Logos & Images
- RIM Logo List
- RIM Partner Programs
- Q&A About Trademarks
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY RIM. RIM reserves the right to object to unfair uses, misuses or infringements of its trademarks, copyright rights or other violation of its legal rights.
Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks
These general guidelines address the permissible use of RIM’s Trademarks in text by third parties. The trademarks to which these guidelines apply are the word marks listed on the RIM Trademark List. Without express written authorization by RIM, any use of RIM Trademarks in a manner that is inconsistent with these guidelines, including the use of trademarks, trade names or domain names that are confusingly similar to RIM Trademarks is prohibited.
Permissible Uses of RIM Trademarks
Generally
In general, you may use RIM Trademarks to make factually accurate statements in reference to products or services of RIM, provided you do so in accordance with these guidelines. Subject to these guidelines, you also may use a RIM Trademark by reference to indicate that your product or service is compatible with or may be used with RIM products or services, provided that the referential use of the RIM Trademark does not create a false sense of endorsement, sponsorship or association with RIM or its products and services.
Form of Use
- You should always use the RIM Trademark as an adjective and not as a noun or verb. The trademark should be followed by the appropriate generic term for the product or service. Refer to the RIM Trademark List for the appropriate generic term to use with the RIM Trademarks.
- BlackBerry® smartphone
- BlackBerry® Enterprise Server
- Always present the RIM Trademarks in the exact same form and spacing as shown in the RIM Trademark List. Do not alter RIM marks in any way. Refer to the RIM Trademark List for the correct spelling of the mark.
Acceptable Unacceptable BlackBerry®
Research In Motion®
RIM®Blackberry, blackberry, Research in Motion, Rim - Do not use RIM Trademarks in a plural or possessive form.
Acceptable Unacceptable BlackBerry® smartphones BlackBerrys
BlackBerries
BlackBerry’s
Referential Use of RIM Trademarks
The table below provides examples of ‘unacceptable’ and ‘acceptable’ uses of RIM Trademarks to refer to your product or service. This list is merely for your guidance, and should not be considered to be an all-inclusive list.
| Acceptable | Unacceptable |
|---|---|
| [Your Product/Service Name] for use with BlackBerry® smartphones | BlackBerry [Your Product/Service Name] |
| [Your Product/Service Name] works with BlackBerry® smartphones | BlackBerry’s [Your Product/Service Name] |
| [Your Product/Service Name] for the BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution | [Your Product/Service Name]berry |
| [Your Product/Service Name] for the BlackBerry® wireless solution | [Your Product/Service Name] BlackBerry |
| [Your Product/Service Name] BlackBerry | |
| BlackBerry [Your Product/Service Name] |
Marking
When using or referring to RIM Trademarks, the appropriate trademark symbol (® or ™) must be exhibited immediately adjacent to the trademark the first time it appears in the text, as shown in the following examples:
- BlackBerry®
- BlackBerry® Enterprise Server
- Always On, Always Connected®
- RIM®
- Research In Motion®
- SureType®
- RIM® smartphone
- BlackBerry® smartphone
- BlackBerry® (model number)
- BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution
- BlackBerry® Internet Service
- BlackBerry® (series number) Series
- BlackBerry® Pearl™
- BlackBerry® Curve™
- BlackBerry® Unite!™
You should always refer to the RIM Trademark List to determine the appropriate trademark symbol for use with a particular mark.
Notice of Ownership
When making a permissible use of a RIM Trademark in accordance with these guidelines, you should always include a prominent acknowledgement that RIM owns these trademarks. Examples of acceptable trademark disclaimer/attributions are the following:
For referential use in accordance with these Guidelines:
The Trademark [RIM Trademark used] is owned by Research In Motion Limited and is registered in the United States and may be pending or registered in other countries. [User Company Name] is not endorsed, sponsored, affiliated with or otherwise authorized by Research In Motion Limited.
For an authorized Licensed User (under RIM Partner Program):
BlackBerry®, RIM®, Research In Motion®, SureType® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. Used under license from Research In Motion Limited.
This statement is not to be amended or varied and is to be used only by authorized RIM Licensees under the RIM Partner Program.
When drafting your ownership attribution statement, please refer to the RIM Trademarks List to include the correct symbol (i.e. ® or ™)
Non-Commercial Web Sites
Non-commercial web sites that function as informational forums regarding product or services of RIM may use an appropriate RIM Trademark, provided that such use is in compliance with these guidelines. RIM Trademarks and variations thereof must never be used as part of the web site domain name. A disclaimer of sponsorship, affiliation or endorsement should be included on the web site, similar in form to the following example:
“[Web Site Name] is an independent informational forum and is not endorsed, sponsored, affiliated with or otherwise authorized by Research In Motion Limited.”
Use of RIM Trademarks in Titles of Publications
You may use RIM Trademarks on the cover and title of a publication without written authorization by RIM provided you are in full compliance with all of the terms and conditions in these guidelines.
- The RIM Trademarks are used in ordinary text and not stylized or in a logo format.
- The RIM Trademarks are no larger than any other text for the publication title.
- The RIM Trademarks are not varied or abbreviated.
- A Notice of Ownership of Trademark as set out above along with a disclaimer of sponsorship, affiliation, or endorsement must be included prominently in the publication, and when possible on the front or back cover of the publication, similar in form to the following example:
"(Title) is an independent (publication) and is not affiliated with, nor has it been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Research In Motion Limited" - The publication does not lead consumers to believe that there is an association with RIM or the publication is approved or endorsed by RIM.
- The RIM Trademarks are not used in the title of a series of publications.
Prohibited Uses of RIM Trademarks
- The use of RIM Trademarks in the name of your product, service, corporate name, or domain name is not permitted.
You are not permitted to use any RIM Trademark, in whole or in part, or any alteration of any RIM Trademark, in the name of your products or services, in your company name or in your domain names or universal resource locator (URL). This includes any variation, abbreviation or takeoff of a RIM Trademark, or any other names that are confusingly similar to the RIM Trademarks.
Acceptable Unacceptable www.wirelessaccessories.com/blackberry
Acme Instant Messenger for BlackBerry smartphones
Acme Messaging Inc.www.blackberrywirelessaccessories.com
www.bbwirelessaccessories.com
AcmeBerry Instant Messenger
Acme Blackberry Messaging Inc. - Meta tags
You are not permitted to use the BlackBerry® or other RIM Trademarks as meta tags for your webpages. - Disparaging use
You are not permitted to use the RIM Trademarks in any manner that disparages RIM, its affiliates, partners, products or services. - Use of variations, abbreviations or takeoffs
You are not permitted to use the BlackBerry® or other RIM Trademarks as meta tags for your webpages.It is not permissible to use a variation, abbreviation or takeoff of a RIM Trademark. For example, “BlackBerries”, “BB” and “Crackberry” are not acceptable uses with reference to any products or services of RIM. - Endorsement
Do not use RIM Trademarks directly or indirectly to suggest sponsorship, affiliation or endorsement of your product or service. - Positioning of trademarks
RIM Trademarks should not be the most prominent visual element used in association with your product or service. - Harmful use
Your use of RIM Trademarks must not be obscene, disparaging, defamatory or libelous to RIM or any other person.
RIM Trademarks
The following sets out some of the Trademarks of Research In Motion Limited (RIM). The Trademark Status column indicates the status of the trademark in the United States (® indicates a registered trademark; ™ indicates a trademark). The marks listed as registered ® may also be registered in other countries. The status may change and thus this information will be updated from time to time. The absence of a trademark from the list below does not constitute a waiver of any rights RIM may have in any of its trademarks, product names, service names, logos, and/or product series numbers. RIM reserves the right to object to any unauthorized, unfair, improper and/or infringing use of its trademarks, logos, product names, service names, and/or product series numbers; whether or not expressly included in the list below.
| Word Marks | Status | Descriptive Term |
|---|---|---|
| RIM | ® | Professional Services |
| SURETYPE | ® | Software |
| BlackBerry | ® | Smartphone |
| BlackBerry Pearl | ™ | Smartphone |
| BlackBerry Curve | ™ | Smartphone |
| BlackBerry Unite! | ™ | Software |
Guidelines for Use of RIM Logos & Imagery
The Use of the BlackBerry Logos and Other RIM Imagery
RIM’s trademarks include a number of distinctive Logos. Use of the Logos is reserved to RIM and its affiliated companies, and members of the BlackBerry Alliance Program. You may not use the RIM Logos, without the express written permission of RIM.
Please refer to the RIM Partner Program for more information.
The use of the BlackBerry® Smartphone Imagery is permissible under the conditions set out below.
Prohibited Uses of RIM Logos
In addition to the prohibitions set out in our Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks we draw your attention to the following:
- The use of RIM’s trade dress is not permitted.
It is not permissible to imitate the distinctive overall appearance (trade dress) of RIM’s BlackBerry® smartphones and/or their packaging, logos, typefaces or RIM’s website designs. - The use of copyrighted material without Research In Motion Limited’s express written permission is prohibited.
RIM does not authorize the public or commercial use of information protected by copyright laws. The use of such copyright protected materials, including BlackBerry® Wireless Handheld imagery, and other information contained on RIM web sites or in advertisements, brochures or other materials, other than as expressly permitted hereunder, is prohibited.
Permissible Use of BlackBerry Smartphone Imagery
You are not permitted to use BlackBerry smartphone imagery unless you comply with the following terms:
- BlackBerry® smartphone imagery shall not be altered or manipulated;
- The BlackBerry® or RIM® name on the smartphone must clearly be displayed in all imagery;
- No object, including your name, product or service name, or logo may be superimposed upon any BlackBerry® smartphone imagery; and
- Graphic images may not be superimposed on the screen of the BlackBerry® smartphone unless they can actually be reproduced on the smartphone.
Logo List
| Title | Mark |
|---|---|
| Dataflow Design |  |
| BLACKBERRY & Dataflow Design (above) |  |
| BLACKBERRY & Dataflow Design |  |
| BLACKBERRY & Dataflow Design (horizontal) |  |
| RIM & Design |  |
| BLACKBERRY AUTHENTIC ACCESSORIES & Design |  |
| BLACKBERRY CURVE & Design (horizontal) |  |
| BLACKBERRY PEARL & Design (horizontal) |  |
RIM reserves the right to object to any unauthorized, unfair, improper, infringing use of any of it's trademarks, logos, product names, service names and/or series numbers; whether or not expressly included in the above list.
Partner Programs
RIM is always eager to partner with other companies to develop and sell products and services that give BlackBerry® smartphone users added performance and functionality. Through RIM’s Partner programs, such as the BlackBerry Alliance Program, partners get the tools, support and endorsement from RIM to help develop their robust and innovative solutions for BlackBerry® smartphones and wireless solutions. RIM Partners are given limited permission to use the RIM Trademarks and Logos, thereby increasing visibility among BlackBerry® smartphone users and wireless carriers and depth in their customer base.
Generally, RIM will partner with companies and license the right to use certain RIM Trademarks and Logos to companies that have established distribution channels and high customer satisfaction with a proven product/service which adds performance and functionality to the BlackBerry® smartphone experience.
If you have a product or service that enhances the BlackBerry® smartphone experience, and are interested in applying to partner with RIM, please visit our Partners Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains answers to a number of questions that are commonly raised about appropriate use of RIM Trademarks.
RIM Trademarks symbolize RIM’s reputation and goodwill and serve to identify and distinguish its technologies, products, and services from those of others. RIM must ensure that third parties do not use RIM Trademarks in such a manner as to confuse consumers into believing such third parties are affiliated or endorsed by RIM. Thus, use of RIM Trademarks by third parties is not generally permitted except through express written RIM authorization, and otherwise set out in the Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks.
- 1. Where can I locate information about appropriate use of RIM Trademarks?
Please refer to the Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks for information on use of RIM Trademarks.
- 2. How do I properly indicate ownership of RIM Trademarks?
Any use of a RIM Trademark must be accompanied by a statement indicating ownership of the Trademark by Research In Motion Limited. Please refer to the RIM Trademark List and Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks for guidance on specific RIM trademarks and the form of the trademark ownership statement. This list is updated regularly.
- 3. My company has a service/product that enhances performance and functionality of the BlackBerry experience. Does RIM partner with companies who have products/services related to RIM’s products services? Does RIM allow use of its trademarks with such products/services?
RIM is always eager to partner with other companies to develop and sell products and services that give BlackBerry users added performance and functionality. Through RIM Partner programs, such as the BlackBerry Alliance Program, partners get the tools and support from RIM to help develop their robust and innovative solutions for BlackBerry smartphones and wireless solutions. RIM Partners are given limited permission to use the RIM Trademarks and Logos, thereby increasing visibility among BlackBerry users and wireless carriers and driving breadth and depth in their customer base.
Generally, RIM will partner with companies that have a strong market position with a proven product/service which adds performance and functionality to the BlackBerry experience with established distribution channels and customer satisfaction.
If you have a product or service that enhances the BlackBerry experience, are interested in applying to partner with RIM, please visit (www.na.blackberry.com/eng/partners/).
- 4. Can I use a RIM Trademark within the name of my company, product, service or domain name?
No. Some of the RIM Trademarks are listed on the RIM Trademark List. These Trademarks symbolize RIM’s reputation and goodwill and serve to identify and distinguish its technologies, products, and services from those of others. Consumers expect that products, software or services bearing a RIM Trademark are manufactured or controlled by RIM and are thus of a certain consistent and high quality. To maintain the distinctiveness of RIM’s Trademarks as representing RIM’s devices, software and services, RIM must ensure that third parties do not use RIM Trademarks in such a manner as to confuse consumers into believing there is an affiliation to RIM or endorsement by RIM, when in fact there is none. Thus, use of RIM Trademarks by third parties as part of their company name or domain name is not permitted. Other use is not generally permitted except through express authorization, such as through a RIM Partner Program and otherwise set out in the Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks and the Guidelines for Use of RIM Logos & Imagery.
- 5. How may I use a RIM Trademark to indicate that my product is compatible with a RIM product or service?
Please refer to the Guidelines for a complete answer. The table below provides examples of ‘unacceptable’ and ‘acceptable’ uses of RIM Trademarks to refer to your product or service. This list is merely for your guidance, and should not be considered to be an all-inclusive list.
| Acceptable | Unacceptable |
|---|---|
| [Your Product/Service Name] for use with BlackBerry® smartphones | BlackBerry [Your Product/Service Name] |
| [Your Product/Service Name] works with BlackBerry® smartphones | BlackBerry’s [Your Product/Service Name] |
| [Your Product/Service Name] for the BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution | [Your Product/Service Name]berry |
| [Your Product/Service Name] for the BlackBerry® wireless solution | [Your Product/Service Name] BlackBerry |
| [Your Product/Service Name] BlackBerry | |
| BlackBerry [Your Product/Service Name] |
Specific Inquiries
If you have any specific inquiries about RIM Trademarks, please contact help@rim.com.