Trademark Policy

Protecting Our Promise

BrainDrive is a registered trademark of BrainDrive LLC. This policy outlines how those trademarks can be used to protect the integrity of the brand while supporting a thriving open ecosystem.

Why we have a Trademark Policy

Freedom is one of BrainDrive’s core pillars. That’s why our software is open-source, free to use, and free to build on—no lock-ins, no gatekeepers.

So why have a trademark policy at all? Because we want the BrainDrive name to represent a clear promise: You own, control, and benefit from your AI system.

This policy protects that promise.

It ensures that when people see “BrainDrive,” they know it’s aligned with our mission—and not something misleading or off-brand.

You’re free to build.
You’re free to monetize.
You’re free to say you're powered by BrainDrive.

You just can’t pretend to be BrainDrive.

What You Can (and Can’t) Do

BrainDrive is built to empower owners, builders, and entrepreneurs. This policy supports that by making sure everyone can use the name fairly—without causing confusion or misuse.

Below are four key freedoms, with examples of what’s allowed and what’s not:

1. You’re Free to Build (Including Your Own Brand)

BrainDrive is yours to build on—code, customize, remix, and yes, brand your own way.

What You Can Do:

Run your own BrainDrive instance.
Modify or fork the code for personal or public use.
Create new tools, plugins, or experiences built on BrainDrive.
Build your own brand around the products, services, or experiences you create with BrainDrive.

What You Can’t Do:

Use “BrainDrive” as the core of your project or company name.
Use the BrainDrive logo or branding in a way that implies your version is the official BrainDrive.

✅ Allowed: “NeuronWorks – Built on BrainDrive”
✅ Allowed: A plugin called “SmartScheduler for BrainDrive”
❌ Not allowed: A fork called “BrainDrive Pro”
❌ Not allowed: Branding your company with the BrainDrive name or logo

Build your dream. Own your creation. Just keep the lines clear.

2. You’re Free to Monetize

What You Can Do:

Sell services that use BrainDrive.
Build and sell plugins, templates, or custom solutions.
Offer hosting, training, or support for BrainDrive systems.

What You Can’t Do:

Market your service as “official BrainDrive hosting”.
Use the name “BrainDrive” as your business or product name.

✅ Allowed: “Custom BrainDrive installations by [Your Brand]”
❌ Not allowed: “BrainDrive Cloud”

3. You’re Free to Say You’re Powered by BrainDrive

What You Can Do:

Use phrases like “powered by BrainDrive,” “built on BrainDrive,” or “compatible with BrainDrive.”
Share content, tutorials, or tools for the BrainDrive community.

What You Can’t Do:

Use the BrainDrive name or logo in a way that makes your project look official.
Copy our branding (logo, style, tagline) in ways that cause confusion.

✅ Allowed: “Powered by BrainDrive” on your plugin site
❌ Not allowed: Using the BrainDrive logo as your app’s icon

4. You Just Can’t Pretend to Be BrainDrive

What You Can Do:

Create and sell awesome stuff.
Join the movement and use the brand respectfully.

What You Can’t Do:

Use “BrainDrive” in your company or product name without permission.
Imply your offering is officially endorsed, supported, or run by BrainDrive.

✅ Allowed: “An open-source plugin for BrainDrive”
❌ Not allowed: “The BrainDrive Plugin Marketplace”

Policy Updates

As the BrainDrive ecosystem grows, this policy may need to evolve too. If we ever make changes, we’ll share them clearly—and whenever possible, we’ll seek feedback from the community before finalizing updates. Our goal is always to protect the brand and support the builders, owners, and entrepreneurs who make BrainDrive what it is.

Final Thoughts

BrainDrive is more than just software—it’s a movement. One built on ownership, freedom, empowerment, and sustainability.

We created this trademark policy not to restrict that movement, but to protect it.

If you’re building something awesome on BrainDrive and you're not sure how to describe it, just reach out to me at dwaring@braindrive.ai and I’m happy to help.

Together, we can grow an open ecosystem that stays free, fair, and future-proof.

Thanks for reading!

Dave Waring

co-creator BrainDrive

dwaring@braindrive.ai

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