Aeron® Open-Source Trademark Policy

September 2025

1. Introduction

Aeron is wholly owned and operated by Adaptive Financial Consulting (“Adaptive”). Adaptive is committed to promoting the adoption and use of our Aeron open source software while protecting our valuable reputation through our trademarks that represent the quality and integrity our community has come to expect. This policy provides guidance on acceptable uses of Aeron’s trademarks by third parties building upon or distributing our open source software.

Important: Open source licences grant rights to use, modify, and distribute source code, but do not grant rights to use our trademarks. Trademark usage is governed separately by this policy and applicable law.

2. Our Trademarks

We maintain trademark protection for our AERON mark across major global markets, including registered rights in the United Kingdom, European Union, and the United States. We also actively protect our trademarks in jurisdictions where we possess unregistered and common law rights.

These trademarks are valuable intellectual property assets that help users identify authentic AERON software and distinguish it from unauthorised, modified, or third-party versions.

3. General Guidelines

3.1 Acceptable Uses

You may use Aeron’s trademarks without permission for:

Nominative Fair Use:

  • Truthful statements about compatibility (e.g., “MyApp works with Aeron”)
  • Factual references in documentation or tutorials about our software
  • Academic research and educational materials
  • Commentary, criticism, or news reporting about our products

Attribution Format: When making truthful statements, you may use descriptive phrases such as:

  • “Compatible with Aeron”
  • “Works with Aeron software”
  • “Based on Aeron technology”

3.2 Required Attribution

When using Aeron trademarks, you must include appropriate attribution:

  • Use ™ or ® symbols with the first prominent use of our marks
  • Include a notice such as: “Aeron is a trademark of Adaptive in the [jurisdiction] and other countries”
  • Ensure attribution is visible and not buried in footnotes

4. Prohibited Uses

4.1 Product and Service Names

You may NOT use Aeron trademarks:

  • In the name of your software product, service, or company
  • As part of your product branding or identity
  • For derivative works, forks, or modified versions without written permission
  • In domain names (including subdomains)
  • In app store names or mobile application identifiers
  • In any other way that might suggest official endorsement by Adaptive or Aeron

Examples of prohibited names:

  • “Aeron + Your Product Name”
  • “Aeron Plus”
  • “Enhanced Aeron”
  • “Your Company Name + Aeron”

4.2 Confusing or Misleading Use

You may NOT:

  • State or imply that Aeron sponsors, endorses, or is affiliated with your project
  • Use our trademarks in a way that suggests your product is an official Aeron offering
  • Use marks that are confusingly similar to our trademarks
  • Display our trademarks more prominently than your own product name
  • Modify our logos or create derivative versions

5. Special Cases for Open-Source Projects

5.1 Unmodified Distribution

If you distribute unmodified Adaptive or Aeron software:

  • You must use our trademarks to identify the authentic software
  • You must not remove or alter any trademark notices
  • You should link to our official distribution channels when possible
  • All files must remain completely unchanged

5.2 Modified Versions and Derivatives

If you create modified versions or derivative works:

  • You must not use the trademarks: ensure you remove all Aeron trademarks from your modified version
  • Choose your own distinct branding and product name
  • You may state that your project is “based on Aeron open-source technology” with a proper disclaimer
  • The disclaimer must say: “This project is not officially associated with or endorsed by Adaptive/Aeron.”

5.3 “Powered By” Usage

You cannot use the phrase “Powered by” without written permission. We provide official “Powered by Aeron” logos for approved uses:

  • Request permission via info@aeron.io.
  • Intended for products that meaningfully integrate our software
  • Must not be modified or combined with other logos
  • Does not imply endorsement of your specific product

6. Community and Events

6.1 User Groups and Communities

You may use Aeron trademarks in user group names that include clarifying terms such as:

  • “[Location] Aeron User Group”
  • “Aeron Developer Community”
  • “Aeron Special Interest Group”

6.2 Conferences and Events

Use in conference or event names requires prior written approval. Contact info@aeron.io with:

  • Event details and proposed branding
  • How Aeron software relates to the event
  • Confirmation that the event is not for-profit commercial activity

7. Domain Names

Using Aeron trademarks in domain names is generally prohibited. Exceptions may be granted for:

  • Official user groups (with prior approval)
  • Non-commercial educational resources (with prior approval)

Contact info@aeron.io before registering any domain containing our marks.

8. Commercial Use and Services

8.1 Consulting and Support Services

You may use the trademarks if you offer commercial services related to our software provided that you:

  • Use descriptive language like “consulting services for Aeron”
  • Do not use our marks in your company or service name
  • Make clear that you are an independent service provider
  • Do not imply official Aeron partnership or certification

8.2 Training and Certification

Training programs or certifications require explicit written permission. We reserve the right to approve curriculum and quality standards for any training programs using our marks.

9. Enforcement

9.1 Reporting Violations

To report potential trademark violations, contact info@aeron.io with:

  • Description of the suspected violation
  • URLs or other location information
  • Screenshots or documentation if applicable

9.2 Our Response Process

We commit to:

  • Reviewing reports promptly
  • Working collaboratively when possible to resolve issues
  • Taking appropriate legal action when necessary to protect our marks

9.3 Good Faith Safe Harbour

If you are using our trademarks in good faith and within these guidelines, we will provide notice and opportunity to remedy any inadvertent violations before taking formal action.

10. Requesting Permission

For uses not clearly covered by this policy, request permission by contacting info@aeron.io with:

  • Your contact information and organisation details
  • Specific description of proposed use
  • Sample materials or mockups
  • Confirmation of non-commercial nature (if applicable)

We aim to respond to requests within 14 business days.

11. Additional Terms

11.1 No Partnership Implied

Nothing in this policy creates any partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between you and Adaptive, or Aeron.

11.2 Revocation of Rights

Aeron and/or Adaptive reserves the right to revoke any permissions granted under this policy if terms are violated or if use harms our reputation or confuses users.

11.3 Updates to Policy

This policy may be updated periodically. The current version will be maintained at https://aeron.io/. Major changes will be announced to the community with reasonable notice.

11.4 Jurisdiction

This policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales. For legal matters, contact info@aeron.io.

12. Contact Information

For trademark questions and permissions:
Email: info@aeron.io

For reporting violations:
Email: info@aeron.io

For general inquiries about our open-source projects:
Email: info@aeron.io
Website: https://aeron.io/

This policy is designed to encourage the growth of our open-source ecosystem while protecting the integrity of our trademarks. When in doubt, please ask – we’re here to help our community succeed.

 
[Adaptive and Aeron] are trademarks of Adaptive Financial Consulting Ltd. in the United Kingdom and other countries.