Protecting Our Promise
Trademark Policy
BrainDrive is a registered trademark of BrainDrive LLC. This policy outlines how the brand can be used to protect the integrity of our mission while supporting a thriving open ecosystem.
Freedom is one of BrainDrive’s core pillars. That is 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 is 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.
- Release a fork named “BrainDrive Pro” or similar.
- Brand your business with the BrainDrive name or logo.
Examples
- ✅ Allowed: “NeuronWorks – Built on BrainDrive”
- ✅ Allowed: A plugin called “SmartScheduler for BrainDrive”
- ❌ Not allowed: “BrainDrive Pro” as a product name
- ❌ Not allowed: Using the BrainDrive logo to brand a new platform
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.
Examples
- ✅ 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.
Examples
- ✅ 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.
Examples
- ✅ 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 will share them clearly—and whenever possible, we will 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 is a movement 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 on BrainDrive and you’re not sure how to describe it, reach out to dwaring@braindrive.ai and we will help.
Together, we can grow an open ecosystem that stays free, fair, and future-proof.