[Commons-l] Wikimedia Logos on Commons: Possible Solution

[Daniel Arnold]

On Friday 27 July 2007 12:23:28 Daniel Kinzler wrote:
> b) make the logos free content, and rely on trademark law to protect them
> against abuse. This would in theory be the best solution IMHO, but does not
> seem feasible in practice (trademark registration is per country, for a
> limited time, for a limited purpose, harder to enforce, and quite expensive
> if done for all logos in many countries).

Indeed that's the very problem. And relying on moral rights (which could be an 
option too) is a bit too weak for the Foundation.

But I have a third option:

How about creating a "community" icon? An icon that can be used by anyone who 
likes, supports, reuses, whatever the project?

I'd say: Interested talented people just start creating a Wikimedia Commons 
community icon which is reusable under CC-BY (any version). Everyone who 
think using it for his work is apropriate can use it.

I envision a relaxed logo alternative like the famous Tux logo. Tux is 
perfectly associated with Linux (and only "Linux" the word is a trademark) 
but none makes any trouble if someone reuses it in another context for his 
own purpose.

So let us create a cute Wikimedia Commons community logo and then we'll see 
which logo wins, and which logo makes a stronger and more living Commons 
brand: The current restriced one or the free one.

And after this bold test the Foundation can evaluate if they want a second 
community icon for Wikipedia and others too or if it is better beeing more 
relaxed with the current Wikipedia icon. :p

Cheers, Arnomane
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