Research In Motion Limited (“RIM”) Trademarks, Logos & Imagery

RIM is the owner of the ubiquitous BlackBerry® family of 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, or license from RIM.

The Public Guidelines set out RIM's standards for the permissible use of RIM trademarks.

Use of our RIM Logos is reserved for Partners and standards for permissible use are set out in the Partner Guidelines.

Please refer to the following Trademark Links:

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.

 

Public Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks

These general guidelines address the permissible use of RIM’s Trademarks in text by the public and non-licensed users. The trademarks to which these guidelines apply are the word marks listed on the RIM Trademark List and the BlackBerry Product Names. RIM has also developed guidelines for the public and non-licensed users regarding the RIM Logos & Imagery.

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

  1. 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 and the BlackBerry Product Names for the appropriate generic term to use with the RIM Trademarks.
    • BlackBerry® smartphone
    • BlackBerry® Enterprise Server
  2. 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
  3. 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
[Your Product/Service Name] works with BlackBerry® smartphones
[Your Product/Service Name] for the BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution
[Your Product/Service Name] for the BlackBerry® wireless solution
BlackBerry [Your Product/Service Name]
BlackBerry’s [Your Product/Service Name]
[Your Product/Service Name]berry
[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®
  • SurePress™
  • RIM® smartphone
  • BlackBerry® smartphone
  • BlackBerry® (model number)
  • BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution
  • BlackBerry® Internet Service
  • BlackBerry® (series number) Series
  • BlackBerry® Pearl™
  • BlackBerry® Curve™
  • BlackBerry® Unite!™
  • BlackBerry® Bold™
  • BlackBerry® Alliance Member
  • BlackBerry® Build-In
  • BlackBerry® Connect
  • BlackBerry® Trade Up Program

You should always refer to the RIM Trademark List and the BlackBerry Product Names 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.

When drafting your ownership attribution statement, please refer to the RIM Trademarks list to include the correct symbol (i.e. ® or ™).

BlackBerry®, RIM®, Research In Motion®, SureType®, SurePress™ 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 prominently displayed 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, owner of the BlackBerry trademarks.”

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.

  1. The RIM Trademarks are used in ordinary text and not stylized or in a logo format.
  2. The RIM Trademarks are no larger than any other text for the publication title.
  3. The RIM Trademarks are not varied or abbreviated.
  4. 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, owner of the BlackBerry trademarks"
  5. The publication does not lead consumers to believe that there is an association with RIM or the publication is approved or endorsed by RIM.
  6. The RIM Trademarks are not used in the title of a series of publications.

Prohibited Uses of RIM Trademarks

  1. 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.
  2. Meta tags
    You are not permitted to use the BlackBerry® or other RIM Trademarks as meta tags or other search-enabling means to direct readers to your website.
  3. Disparaging use
    You are not permitted to use the RIM Trademarks in any manner that disparages RIM, its affiliates, partners, products or services.
  4. 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.
  5. Endorsement
    Do not use RIM Trademarks directly or indirectly to suggest sponsorship, affiliation or endorsement of your product or service.
  6. Positioning of trademarks
    RIM Trademarks should not be the most prominent visual element used in association with your product or service.
  7. Harmful use
    Your use of RIM Trademarks must not be obscene, disparaging, defamatory or libelous to RIM or any other person.

 

 

RIM Trademark List

The following sets out some of the word marks 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.

Please refer to RIM Logo List for examples of some RIM Logos.

Word Marks Descriptive Term
RIM® Professional Services
SureType® Software
BlackBerry® Smartphone
BlackBerry® Pearl™ Smartphone
BlackBerry® Curve™ Smartphone
BlackBerry® Unite!™ Software
BlackBerry® Bold™ Smartphone
BlackBerry® Storm™ Smartphone
BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip Smartphone
SurePress™ Touch screen
 

Guidelines for Use of RIM Logos & Imagery

The Use of the BlackBerry Logos and Imagery

RIM's trademarks include a number of distinctive Logos and Imagery. Please see RIM Logo List for examples of selected Logos. Use of the Logos is reserved to RIM, its affiliated companies, and its Partners.You may not use the RIM Logos, without the express written permission of RIM. Please refer to Partners for more information.

The use of 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 Public Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks we draw your attention to the following:

  1.  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.
  2. 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:

  1. BlackBerry® smartphone imagery shall not be altered or manipulated;
  2. The BlackBerry® or RIM® name on the smartphone must clearly be displayed in all imagery;
  3. No object, including your name, product or service name, or logo may be superimposed upon any BlackBerry® smartphone imagery; and
  4. Your use of the BlackBerry® smartphone imagery does not, directly or indirectly, suggest sponsorship, affiliation or endorsement of your product or service by RIM.
  5. Graphic images may not be superimposed on the screen of the BlackBerry® smartphone unless they can actually be reproduced on the smartphone

 

 

 

RIM Logo List

Title Mark
Dataflow Emblem Design BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY & Dataflow Emblem Design (above) BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY & Dataflow Emblem Design BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY & Dataflow Emblem Design (horizontal) BlackBerry Logo
RIM & Design BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY AUTHENTIC ACCESSORIES & Design BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY CURVE & Design (horizontal) BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY PEARL & Design (horizontal) BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY PEARL FLIP BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY BUILT-IN (Horizontal) BlackBerry Logo
 BLACKBERRY CONNECT (Horizontal) BlackBerry Logo
 BLACKBERRY PARTNERS BlackBerry Logo
 BLACKBERRY TRADE UP PROGRAM BlackBerry Logo
 BLACKBERRY BOLD BlackBerry Logo
BLACKBERRY UNITE BlackBerry Logo


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.

 

Partners

RIM values its many relationships with licensed partners, such as carriers and distribution partners who market BlackBerry smartphones as part of their mainstream consumer offerings as well as Alliance Partners who launch hundreds of software applications and solutions for the BlackBerry Platform(together the “partners”). RIM has given limited permission to its partners to use the RIM Trademarks and Logos, thereby increasing visibility among BlackBerry® smartphone users and wireless carriers and depth in their customer base.

RIM will partner with companies which have established distribution channels and high customer satisfaction with a proven product/service which adds performance and functionality to the BlackBerry® smartphone experience. See the Alliance Program for more details.

 

Partner Guidelines

RIM values its many relationships with licensed partners, such as carriers and distribution partners who market BlackBerry smartphones as part of their mainstream consumer offerings as well as Alliance Partners who launch hundreds of software applications and solutions for the BlackBerry Platform(together the “partners”). RIM has given limited permission to its partners to use the RIM Trademarks and Logos, thereby increasing visibility among BlackBerry® smartphone users and wireless carriers and depth in their customer base.

RIM will partner with companies which have established distribution channels and high customer satisfaction with a proven product/service which adds performance and functionality to the BlackBerry® smartphone experience. See the Alliance Program for more details.

The BlackBerry Branding Guidelines (September 2008) are published for partners who have an agreement with RIM, permitting the use of RIM Trademarks. Partners are generally permitted to use both the word marks listed on the RIM Trademark List as well as RIM Logos & Imagery.

If you are a partner, your license sets out the terms and conditions under which you are permitted to use the RIM Trademarks. One condition of your license is compliance with the BlackBerry Branding Guidelines. The current version can be found at the BlackBerry Branding Guidelines or can be downloaded below.

Download the BlackBerry Branding Guidelines (PDF).

 

BlackBerry Branding Guidelines: For Licensed Users Only

Terms of Your Trademark License

Your use of the trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos or imagery of Research In Motion (RIM), (collectively the “RIM Marks”), is limited to the use licensed in the agreement you signed with RIM. If a trademark license is not included in your agreement with RIM, you are prohibited from using the RIM Marks without the express written permission of an authorized representative of RIM Marketing Communications, except as permitted under the Public Guidelines for Use of RIM Trademarks found at www.blackberry.com/publicguidelines.

As a licensed user, you are required to comply with these BlackBerry Branding Guidelines. These Guidelines apply to all materials and communications by any media (“materials”) where RIM Marks are used. You must ensure that all personnel responsible for producing such materials adhere to these Guidelines.

All materials using a RIM Mark must be reviewed and approved prior to release by RIM Brand Communications. Ensure a minimum of five (5) business days for the review process to occur. Please submit all materials and direct any questions about use of the RIM Marks to RIM Brand Communications (brand@rim.com).

For a copy of these guidelines email brand@rim.com, visit Partner Guidelines (www.blackberry.com/partnerguidelines), or visit BlackBerry Universe (www.blackberryuniverse.com).

 

BlackBerry Branding Guidelines: For Licensed Users Only

RIM Registered Marks and Trademarks

RIM Marks that appear on the following list are registered or pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other countries.

BlackBerry® RIM®
Research In Motion®
SureType®
BlackBerry® Pearl™
BlackBerry® Curve™
BlackBerry® Unite!™
BlackBerry® Bold™

A list of RIM Marks can be found at: www.blackberry.com/trademarklist

The absence of a RIM Mark from this list does not mean that RIM does not use the mark, that the mark is not a registered trademark of RIM or that the BlackBerry product or service is not actively marketed or is not significant within its relevant market.

 

BlackBerry Branding Guidelines: For Licensed Users Only

BlackBerry Trademark Rules

You may only use the RIM Marks if you have obtained prior approval from RIM Marketing Communications pursuant to paragraph 1 and your use complies with these Guidelines.

i. You should always use the RIM Trademark as an adjective and not as a noun or verb.

Acceptable Unacceptable

BlackBerry® smartphone

The BlackBerry is…    

I will respond to your email using
my BlackBerry® smartphone

I will BlackBerry you.

ii. The trademark should be followed by the appropriate generic term for the product (i.e. smartphone) or service. Refer to the BlackBerry Naming System at www.blackberry.com/names for the appropriate generic term to use with the RIM Marks, including:

  • BlackBerry smartphones
  • BlackBerry products
  • BlackBerry product components
  • BlackBerry enabled device products
  • BlackBerry accessories

iii.Do not use the RIM Marks in plural or possessive form.

Acceptable Unacceptable
BlackBerry® smartphones BlackBerrys, BlackBerries, BlackBerry’s

  • The RIM Marks may not be included in any non-RIM trade name, business name, domain name, product or service name, logo, trade dress, design, slogan or other trademark. Your licensed use of the RIM Marks does not permit your use of any word or words that are confusingly similar or identical to a RIM Mark.
  • Use the proper symbol for the RIM Marks. Always capitalize the product brand name and designate the trademark with the appropriate ™ or ® symbol as shown in these Rules.
Acceptable Unacceptable
www.wirelessaccessories.com/blackberry www.blackberrywirelessaccessories.com
Acme Instant Messenger for BlackBerry smartphones AcmeBerry Instant Messenger
Acme Messaging Inc. Acme BlackBerry Messaging Inc.
Acceptable Unacceptable
BlackBerry® BlackBerry™
BlackBerry® Pearl™ BlackBerry Pearl®

 vi. Your company’s name, logo or trademark must appear on any materials where the RIM Marks are used, and must be larger and more prominent than the RIM Marks.

vii. The RIM Marks may not be used in any manner that expresses or implies RIM’s affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement, certification or approval other than as permitted by your trademark license from RIM.

viii. You may not use the RIM Marks in association with your trademarks or any third party trademarks in a way that creates potential confusion as to ownership of the RIM Marks.

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

 ix. Use a Notice of Ownership and Disclaimer. In all materials where RIM Marks are used the following trademark notice must be prominently displayed:

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.

 

BlackBerry Branding Guidelines: For Licensed Users Only

Smartphone Imagery

Smartphone imagery must be displayed accurately and consistently. Any alteration of the BlackBerry smartphone image by deleting the logos, changing the screen display or altering the appearance of the smartphone image in any respect is prohibited. Shown below are examples of acceptable ways to show the BlackBerry smartphone. Please use only approved photographs of smartphones, available from RIM Brand Communications.

Smartphone Imagery

5.1 Smartphone Imagery Misuse

When using images of the BlackBerry smartphone, reproduction must be of the highest quality possible. Sample misuses are shown below.

Misuse of Smartphone Imagery

 

Alliance 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 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. 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 Public Guidelines for 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 Public 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 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 the Alliance Program and otherwise set out in the Public 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 Public 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.