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[PICTURE] ReviewIt Magazine Uses Ubuntu Logo!

img440.imageshack.us — The April 2007 edition of reviewit magazine contains an advertisement containing a blatant use of the Ubuntu logo. Check out the comments section for a link to a closeup and also the URL for the flash version of this issue.

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  • guitarhcp, on 10/12/2007, -4/+62Here is the URL to the closeup:
    http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8623/dscn0350dd6.jpg

    And the flash version of this month's issue: (page 36-37)
    http://www.reviewitmagazine.com/virtualmagazine/April2007/

    • cloakeddagger, on 10/12/2007, -50/+29free advertising for ubuntu or misuse of others property? i don't know the licensing for the ubuntu logo but i imagine its not creative commons.
    • schestowitz, on 10/12/2007, -2/+67@ cloakeddagger: exactly what I was gonna say. Share the knowledge. Exploit the freedom.

      MSN was accused of doing something similar, but it's a generic symbol that's independent from Ubuntu GNU/Linux. In this case, the colours chosen leave no room for doubt and misinterpretation.
    • fredxor, on 10/12/2007, -4/+25I made a high res version from that flash site. Here it is: http://img456.imageshack.us/my.php?image=virtualmagaizneadubunturk7.png
    • fredxor, on 10/12/2007, -19/+18Link to the Ubuntu thread about it (so that whoever would make a thread knows that it's already there): http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=407840
    • GibHunter, on 10/12/2007, -20/+5http://www.4pron.org/general/b/res/1277.html non imageshank..
    • Kratisto, on 10/12/2007, -0/+77Open source subliminal messaging.
    • Fidodo, on 10/12/2007, -10/+58I bet it was some graphics guy just having some fun. It's not like there's some big conspiracy here.
    • deannnnnn, on 10/12/2007, -3/+120Haha. Anyone else think that the graphic designer did this as an homage, not a ripoff?
    • karamba_kid, on 10/12/2007, -3/+32@ Over90
      Opensource is opensource and trademark infringement is trademark infringement. Two different things completely. And just for future reference the software is also copyrighted and it is not in the public domain.
    • akira117, on 10/12/2007, -2/+39.::Side by Side Comparison::.
      http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/456929570_eb69c975f8_o.png
    • JK1150, on 10/12/2007, -15/+3boycott
    • gometro33, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7page 36 if you're looking at the flash version
    • fatdog789, on 10/12/2007, -22/+3I should point out that the very point of open source is that people can use the code and media. It's part of the license.

      Nothing to see here, move along.
    • ALeavitt, on 10/12/2007, -2/+17@fatdog789

      It's clear that you don't really understand what Open Source or GPL are really about. Yes, they state that code and media can be used and modified, but they stipulate that any reproduced GPL code or media must be accompanied by and abide by the GPL. Also, any code derived from a GPL-licensed project must itself be open source and subject to the GPL license. As I don't see the source code or GPL accompanying the ad, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that they violated the letter and intent of the agreement.
    • treehead, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8@over90:

      I am not certain what you meant by "this drama". Do you mean an uproar over the (apparent) misuse of the logo, or do you mean that "everyone so angry"? If the main reason you don't use Linux is over an ideological stance, then more power to you. If it's over the perceived attitude of the Linux community, then I would encourage you to use Linux in spite of whatever stigma Digg users are giving it.

      Either way, if you had been more articulate with your response, you may have actually accomplished something with it besides venting "this sucks."
    • zach382, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2When i looked at the flash site i saw that on the cover of the magazine is My Dentist! It's kinda weird to see your dentist on Digg.

      http://www.reviewitmagazine.com/virtualmagazine/April2007/
    • JimV, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1Either it's a prank or an accident. Because it makes no sense to have that logo there....it looks like shizzit.
    • 13thfloor, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4The next issue will use the Fedora logo...
    • phantom_mullet, on 10/12/2007, -11/+5OMFG I SEE THE DHARMA INITIATIVE LOGO WTF!!!!1!!!11! CONSPIRACY!
    • Brenan, on 10/12/2007, -9/+1WHO ***** CARES!? how did this ***** make 10 ten stories? I little logo that you guys recognize was added to the corner of an advertisement... so what. SO WHAT!
    • aussieNickuss, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2My bet is that the designer is an Ubuntu fan and wants to get the image out there. (Even though most aren't gonna know what that logo is actually for).
    • rageguy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5It is a direct rip off of this splash screen in the Fedora-like theme:
      http://www.everdusk.be/uploads/File/mat_files/Fedora-like%20Ubuntu%20artpack/Splash/ubuntu-splash.svg

      You can see the box and bubbles line up perfectly.
    • loconet, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I can't believe people are actually defending the use of this logo. Let's assume that they did not ask for permission to use it, if so, it is a blatant trademark infringement. Open Source or not, the logo and the word "Ubuntu" have nothing to do with the GPL and such. The logo is owned by Canonical and it can't be use whatever way you please. It is not GPL'ed. The GPL is a distribution license, not a copyright/trademark/whatever license. It does not apply here, it is totally irrelevant. This is a straight violation of trademark on Canonical.

      From Ubuntu's website:

      Trademark Policy

      The objective of the Ubuntu trademark policy is to encourage and allow widespread use of the Ubuntu name, device and logo by the Ubuntu community, maintain the value of their image and good standing, and protect them from inappropriate lapse, allowing anyone to use or abuse them. We don't want that to happen to ubuntu!
      Ubuntu Trademark Usage Policy

      Ubuntu, the Ubuntu logo, Canonical and the Canonical logo are all registered trademarks of Canonical Ltd. Before using any of these marks outside the scope of fair use (such as using them in a review to refer to the product), please send an email to trademarks@ubuntu.com with your name, contact details, and a short explanation of your proposed usage of the trademarks. We will answer these mails as quickly as we can, so you can spread the love!

      As long as you follow the Logo Standards listed at the bottom of this page, you do not need to contact us if:

      *

      You want to use the logo in a desktop background. Go right ahead! You can even share your work by listing it on our artwork page. Logos can be found here.
      *

      You want to link to our website from your site. Buttons can be found here.

      If you have any questions at all about your proposed use, please contact trademarks@ubuntu.com.
      Websites and Domains

      Where possible, we ask that Ubuntu related domain ownership be held by Canonical Limited or a Canonical-authorised organisation. Please ask for a trademark license before registering a domain which incorporates the Ubuntu name. In most cases, we will sponsor registration fees for approved domains, and leave technical administrative control in the hands of the website operator.
      Logo Standards

      It is important to maintain the visual integrity of the Ubuntu logo. We therefore ask that anyone considering use of the logo keep the following guidelines in mind. Following these guidelines will increase the chances that we will quickly approve your use of the logo.

      * When appearing in multiple colours, the logo should use only the "official" logo colours.
      * You may use transparency and gradient/depth tools, but should still maintain the Ubuntu colours.
      * A monotone version may be acceptable in certain situations, if the use requires it (e.g., desktop backgrounds).
      * Any scaling must retain the original proportions of the logo.
      * Other than the variations listed here, the logo may not be modified in any way.
      * Additional text may not be added in such a way that it appears to be part of the logo itself.

      http://www.ubuntu.com/aboutus/trademarkpolicy
    • loconet, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1seems to be originally stolen from here: http://www.everdusk.be/index.php?page=Fedora_like_artpack
  • magneon, on 10/12/2007, -15/+2Thieves, the lot of them! :P
  • ispep, on 10/12/2007, -2/+118That's Fedora Core 5's initial install picture (the bubble theme), just with a different color scheme & the Fedora "F" logo replaced with ubuntu's.
  • magneon, on 10/12/2007, -22/+5The plot thickens...
    • outhouseinput, on 10/12/2007, -26/+4No, not really. It's just that everything with "Ubuntu" in the title on Digg gets put on the front page automatically. Come on people, it's good. But it's not THAT good.
    • strabes, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8@outhouseinput: Obviously it is since it's on the front page.
  • cntrxfrstrm, on 10/12/2007, -45/+4"The April 2007 edition of reviewit magazine contains an advertisement containing a blatant use of the Ubuntu logo."

    That is unfortunate. Even one mention of a product as bad as Ubuntu will clearly lead to a severe decline in sales.
    • chieferer, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1yea they might lose so much money they might go out of buisness. but seriously, it might be a homage seeing that it says beauty :)
  • Gogogo111, on 10/12/2007, -13/+1B7.
  • rockrapdude, on 10/12/2007, -23/+15Actually this shows that the Ubuntu/Linux/open source scene has such a large impact in our society that the company's advertising are using the logo.
    • Miniman, on 10/12/2007, -5/+52you really think that thats the reason?
    • Dayyve, on 10/12/2007, -5/+21It's got something to do with it, no matter how minor. Someone saw that Ubuntu logo somewhere and imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so I'd say the Ubuntu logo is a success.
    • JimmyRyan, on 10/12/2007, -3/+29I don't think that had anything to do with it at all.. AT BEST it was a graphic designer who is a fan of Ubuntu. What it means from here? Well that is obvious.. Ubuntu is going to TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!!
    • DoubtfulSalmon, on 10/12/2007, -12/+2"Ubuntu is going to TAKE OVER THE WORLD"

      Over my dead body it is.
    • LaueOfficer, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3"Over my dead body it is."

      That can.... be arranged.....
  • slave25637, on 10/12/2007, -25/+10quick! call the LIAA!!

    (logo industry association of america)


    yes i realize jokes suck when you have to explain them.
    • cjmal, on 10/12/2007, -7/+20instead of having to explain it you could've just said "quick, someone all the logo industry association of America" and we would've all understood it.
    • silvaran, on 10/12/2007, -9/+2@cjmal

      I understood it. It still sucked.
    • Skwerl, on 10/12/2007, -7/+2Unfortunately you're over reliance on spell check has made your comment confusing.
  • Miniman, on 10/12/2007, -16/+12WTF the Ubuntu forums thread just went missing...
    something is fishy.
  • Dayyve, on 10/12/2007, -31/+2Whoop-dee-doo. If Ubuntu was a commercial enterprise then it would be different or if Reviewit incorporated it into their logo it could potentially confuse people but as dressing, big deal. Maybe put some pressure on Reviewit to give some free advertising to Ubuntu and everyone should be happy.
    • bobslaede, on 10/12/2007, -0/+50Well actually ubuntu is a trademark of Canonical Ltd. a real life company
  • mzwaterski, on 10/12/2007, -1/+15Just for clarification, its an advertisement that is in Reviewit magazine. The ad is for some medical places including the Houston Spine and Rehabilitation Center.
  • tadarnold, on 10/12/2007, -21/+3I wonder if Ubuntu used a generic "clipart" symbol in their logo? Maybe they don't have it trademarked.
  • Wuss, on 10/12/2007, -13/+8It's not a sign from god or an indication that ubuntu or linux has any effect on anything.

    Don't read into it.

    It is what it looks like, a "designer" ripping off material from what he/she thought was obscure enough that noone would notice. Happens a gajillions times a day. Designs get ripped.
    • Skwerl, on 10/12/2007, -6/+6The linux nuts don't like it when you call their flavor of the month distro obscure. Yellow Dog FTW.
  • SenorPez, on 10/12/2007, -10/+1WGAFF.

    "OMG, I saw a 3 in the install for SuSE, too!!!"
  • homeskillet77, on 10/12/2007, -8/+2What would really suck is if the logo itself isn't trademarked. If it isn't...then fair game. And one could imagine somebody not trademarking it being as Ubuntu is on the free as in beer tip. So maybe somebody missed the train on this little issue in the office??? Guess we'll find out soon enough with either a lawsuit or nothing.
  • cliffyboro, on 10/12/2007, -24/+3to the person who designed the front cover, its probably just some cool looking photoshop brush.
    • idonthack, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10Dammit. Why do they put the "thumbs up" button next to the "thumbs down" button?
      Someone bury this guy for me.
  • spz104, on 10/12/2007, -6/+3Maybe it's product placement
  • zovres, on 10/12/2007, -1/+46Funny I just google imaged "ubuntu" and I got to see 3 very fine pieces of ass.
  • bagelpirate, on 10/12/2007, -9/+4A google image search for "ubuntu logo" reveals some intriguing results.
  • socokoolaid, on 10/12/2007, -7/+4To make up for it, Reviewit includes free Ubuntu install cd in this months issue!
  • demonstar55, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Ubuntu_Logo.svg

    has copyright warnings and explanation of how it's fair use on wikipedia. Says it's TM'd by Canonical LTD too, so it is TM'd.
    • krached, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4Might be copyright infringement, but would not be trademark infringement. Different products.
  • tribble222, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8Here's the ubuntuforums thread http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=407195&highlight=reviewit
  • EmxBA, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2Ubuntu everywhere :)
  • Kitsune818, on 10/12/2007, -10/+3I doubt Reviewit had anything to do with this.. more likely someone charged that spine clinic a ton of money for something they threw together hoping no one would notice their "borrowing" from Fedora and Unbuntu.

    but.. wait... who the hell cares anyway? This is more of that "IP" mindset *****. The idea behind a trademark is to make sure you've got the real deal, not a fake.. IE, I can't slap Mercedes Benz emblems on my VW and sell it as a real Mercedes Benz.

    They aren't using this logo to dupe anyone about an OS.. so STFU. (And I've designed tons of logos and had a few "borrowed".. if it isn't for fraud, and it isn't to keep from having to pay me for my work, I could care less.)

    • homeskillet77, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6I'm not sure I follow your line of reasoning. This has nothing to do with Intellectual property. Trademarks are just that, specific markings that are unique to a business, process or product. If another product, process or business uses a trademark that isn't theirs, regardless of the circumstances, it's infringement. So yeah, it'd be illegal if that logo is trademarked.

      Also, why WOULD you care if somebody used a logo you designed? If you designed it for anybody other than yourself than you shouldn't care if somebody "borrowed" them.. they don't belong to you. If you dd it for yourself and somebody borrowed it..it still might not matter unless it's trademarked or you assert copyright over it.

      The law is very clear when it comes to trademarks and copyrights. SO maybe you should stop telling people to "STFU" ( which btw, shows your age, maturity level and educational background ) and read up on trademarks? NO? didn't think so.
    • Wyzard, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"If another product, process or business uses a trademark that isn't theirs, regardless of the circumstances, it's infringement. So yeah, it'd be illegal if that logo is trademarked."

      As I understand it, trademarks only apply within the trademark owner's particular type of business, and other types of business can use the same name without infringing, because there won't be any confusion. Look at Apple Computer vs. Apple Records, for example -- one makes computers and the other produces musical recordings, so neither use of the word "Apple" infringes on the other. (There was a legal battle when Apple computers gained the ability to play sound, though, and another when Apple introduced the iTunes Music Store -- this is why getting the Beatles on iTunes has been such a big ordeal.)

      Anyway, if this magazine ad isn't related to computers, it might not actually be a trademark infringement.

      Ubuntu's artwork page (at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Official) doesn't seem to have an actual copyright statement for the logo, interestingly, but it does say "The Ubuntu logo may be used in one of the formats linked below", and provide links to download the logo in a wide variety of formats, which implies permission to copy and display the logo.

      Being neither copyright nor trademark infringement, this usage may actually be legal.
  • cpbrown, on 10/12/2007, -10/+8strange logo to pinch ... it isn't even particularly good looking.
  • sputnike, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9From wikipedia: "Summary: Ubuntu logo. Trademark Canonical LTD. Used under fair use."
    Wikipedia Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Ubuntu_Logo.svg

    The logo origionated from the Canonical logo, except they put circles representing heads as people holding hands. Canonical Wikipedia Entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canonical_Ltd.

    The Legal Page at the Ubuntu site: http://www.ubuntu.com/legal
    Which states that: "Any trademarks, logos and service marks ("Marks") displayed on this website are the property of their owners, whether Canonical or third parties. For example, Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Debian is a trademark of Software in the Public Interest, Inc. Windows is allegedly a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Ubuntu, Ubuntu Logo, Canonical and Canonical Logo are registered trademarks of Canonical Ltd."

    Someone has some explaining to do to readers of that magazine, the advertising design agency and their bosses.
  • Dayyve, on 10/12/2007, -4/+2This just in, STALKER devs are working at a Spine and Rehabilitation clinic in the states now.
  • g840c, on 10/12/2007, -6/+1That's not right. And it dosen't even look good.
  • ppatalano, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Maybe it's the doings of one of the Ubuntu LoCo teams? Maybe one of them is a graphic designer, who does magazine ads. If so the LoCo Teams are getting good!
  • k1down, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8The Ubuntu logo is great looking. At least they picked something good to rip off.
    I've always thought it looked kinda like a daycare sign though...
  • sputnike, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6Oh by the way anyone seen Revolution OS? Watch it, it will clear things up about this. You can easily find a copy on the internet. It basically states that even Open Source software is copyright as they don't want anyone to just come along, steal their stuff and pass it off as their own. It is NOT public domain. Any work made is copyright automatically unless the owner specifically claims that you can use it and it is Open to useage anywhere.
  • elnayr, on 10/12/2007, -11/+2and why is this important again? oh because it's UBUNTU
    • nayr, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6elnayr: Becuase ubuntu also represents the foss community. (Free/Open Source Software). Also, did you steal my name?
  • ryancalderoni, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3i bet that the graphic designer is an ubuntu fan and thought it would be cool to sneak it in where the editors wouldn't notice, and deep down inside he thought to himself, "i'm helping ubuntu spread through subliminal advertisement!'
  • poisonborz, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Umm...basically a mashup of two Linux distribs? This hardly can be an accident... Or professional graphic designer clipart collections now include opensource-related (therefore not held as copyright-protected) logos also?
  • dafragsta, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Guys, before you post your "I bet he's a fan" post, maybe you should read the thread. He didn't just swipe the Ubuntu logo, he stole non-logo graphics from the Fedora Core installer as well. Pretty silly and lazy if you ask me. It would've taken him 20 minutes to build a similar but not exactly the same graphic in any graphics program if he was even halfway competent.

    As someone who has had people swipe entire pieces of art and templates and relabeled/rebranded them, I know how completely infuriating that is, especially if the swiped art gets more exposure than the original art.
  • russvirante, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Sue them and raise money for open source development!
  • nharpe, on 10/12/2007, -4/+0GET A LIFE!!!!
  • FlapJaw, on 10/12/2007, -9/+4Who gives a *****? Nerds.
  • FairlyStupid, on 10/12/2007, -12/+0This is open source, right? open source.
  • AllLitUp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+0Here is a link for when imageshack goes down to the original picture the article references:

    http://photoslivehere.com/viewer.php?file=jgjwz2mvmjymz4iwichz.jpg
  • foodkin, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8Thought it looked familiar....

    http://www.everdusk.be/uploads/File/mat_files/Fedora-like%20Ubuntu%20artpack/Splash/ubuntu-splash%20(brown).svg

    http://www.everdusk.be/index.php?page=Fedora_like_artpack

    ripped off 2 people at once, good going!
  • skipsandwichdx, on 10/12/2007, -7/+0Well, it's open source, right?
  • kiensoy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Not only they are using Ubuntu logo but look how the black/brown square which says "beauty" has two rounded corners and two sharp corners just like the yellow box which says how many diggs a story has.
  • adarkmethod, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2As a Ubuntu fan and user, Im happy to see the homage to my OS of choice. Considering the "stolen" logos surround the word beauty, Im gonna go with the idea that this is an homage or tribute to the designers preffered OS. No harm, no foul, this is free promotion for the builds, and a nice wink and nudge to those in the know, stop getting your CLI loving panties in a bunch
  • bouche, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4how many nerds pulled the goalie over that one?
  • wolfdude96, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2oooooooooooooh snap

    i'm sry, someone had to say it
  • Hardcase, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4Is this the same stealing as using Bittorrent to download music or is this different stealing? I'm confused.
  • sebnukem, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7...and the Fedora Core 6 bubbles.
  • cobracommander, on 10/12/2007, -10/+3who cares? it's an overhyped stupid O/S and no one could give a *****.
    • adarkmethod, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3so what are you using? and what are the key features that it has over Ubuntu?
  • SirFistalot, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1If it's an homage, it's not a particularly appealing use. Kind of an ugly context and inelegant integration - not really much design going on there except ripping off an existing one and flanking it with some bubbles.
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