Trademark Policy

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

1. Introduction

Bluesky Social PBC ("Bluesky") owns and oversees the trademarks for the names and logos associated with the Bluesky application, website, and services. This policy governs third-party use of Bluesky's trademarks and is intended:

1. To make it easy for anyone to use the Bluesky name or logo for community-oriented efforts that help grow and improve the Bluesky ecosystem.
2. To make it clear how Bluesky-related businesses and projects may use the Bluesky name and logo.
3. To prevent anyone from using the Bluesky name and logo to unfairly profit from, deceive, or confuse people seeking official Bluesky resources.

2. Trademarks Owned by Bluesky Social PBC

The "Bluesky" word mark

The "bsky" word mark

The Bluesky butterfly logo

3. General Principles

Trademarks identify the source of goods and services and protect consumers from confusion. An open-source or open-protocol affiliation does not grant any rights to use Bluesky's trademarks. The right to use code under an open-source license and the right to use a trademark are separate.

4. Uses That Do Not Require Permission

The following uses of Bluesky trademarks are permitted without prior approval, provided that each use complies with the applicable requirements of Section 8, below:

4.1. Social media identification. Using the Bluesky butterfly logo as a social media icon to link to your Bluesky profile on a website, business card, email signature, presentation slide, or similar material, provided that: (a) the logo is used in its official form as provided in the Bluesky Brand Guidelines; and (b) the logo functions as a link to your Bluesky profile or, where a hyperlink is not possible, appears adjacent to your Bluesky handle.

4.2. Truthful descriptive references. Using the word "Bluesky" in text to truthfully refer to Bluesky Social PBC, the Bluesky social platform, or services offered through the Bluesky platform. Example: "Our tool imports data from Bluesky."

4.3. Compatibility statements. Stating that a product or service is compatible with or designed to work with Bluesky, provided the statement is accurate. Example: "Freesky Client, a third-party client for Bluesky."

4.4. Commentary and criticism. Using the Bluesky name in news reporting, commentary, criticism, parody, or comparative advertising, consistent with fair use principles.

4.5. Academic and educational use. Referencing Bluesky in academic papers, research, educational materials, and conference presentations.

4.6. Documentation, tutorials, and guides. Creating documentation, tutorials, blog posts, videos, or educational materials that reference the Bluesky platform or its features.

4.7. Open-source project descriptions. Using "Bluesky" in the description or README of an open-source project to indicate that the project relates to or is compatible with the Bluesky platform. Example: a GitHub repository described as "A Bluesky client written in Rust."

4.8. Personal social media. Using the Bluesky name or logo on a personal social media account to describe your use of the Bluesky platform.

5. Uses That Require Prior Written Permission

The following uses require prior written permission from Bluesky, which may be requested by emailing trademarks@blueskyweb.xyz.

To request permission, email trademarks@blueskyweb.xyz with:

1. Your name and organization, if any.
2. The Bluesky marks you want to use.
3. A short description of how and where you want to use them.
4. Any relevant link, mockup, event page, or draft material.
5. Whether the use is commercial.

If Bluesky approves a request by email, the approval will identify the approved marks and approved use. Unless Bluesky expressly states otherwise in writing, all approved uses are subject to the Bluesky Standard Trademark Permission Terms in Appendix A, the Bluesky Trademark Policy, and the Bluesky Brand Guidelines. No permission is granted unless Bluesky provides written approval.

5.1. Community events and meetups. Using the Bluesky name or logo in connection with a community event, meetup, or conference, whether or not the event charges admission or has sponsors.

5.2. Merchandise. Producing or distributing physical or digital merchandise bearing Bluesky trademarks, whether for sale or free distribution.

5.3. Non-commercial projects. Using the Bluesky name or logo as part of a non-commercial project, tool, or resource that promotes the Bluesky ecosystem, beyond what is covered by the nominative fair use provisions above.

Permission for uses in this category will be granted if the following criteria are met:

1. The primary purpose of the project or activity is to promote the growth, improvement, or understanding of the Bluesky platform or ecosystem.
2. The project or activity is non-commercial in nature (it may generate revenue to cover costs or to contribute to nonprofit entities, but it may not be operated as a for-profit business).

6. Commercial Use

Except for uses permitted under Section 4, all commercial uses of Bluesky trademarks require prior written permission. A "commercial use" is any use in connection with a product, service, or business operated for profit.

Commercial entities may use the Bluesky name to describe their services in ordinary prose (e.g., "Acme Analytics provides analytics for Bluesky").

Examples of permitted commercial descriptions:

• "Acme Web Services, offering Bluesky integration for enterprise clients"
• "XYZ Analytics, providing insights for your Bluesky presence"

Examples of prohibited commercial uses (without a license):

• "Bluesky Analytics" (as a product name)
• "The Bluesky Hosting Company" (as a company name)
• "Managed Bluesky Services" (as a service name)

To inquire about commercial licensing, contact trademarks@blueskyweb.xyz.

7. Prohibited Uses

The following uses of Bluesky trademarks are prohibited unless approved by Bluesky in writing:

7.1. Domain names. Using "Bluesky," "bsky," or any confusingly similar variation as part of any domain name or top-level domain.

7.2. Company or product names. Incorporating any Bluesky trademark into a company name, trade name, product name, or service name without prior written authorization from Bluesky.

7.3. Modified logos. Altering, distorting, or combining Bluesky logos with other logos, icons, or design elements.

7.4. Misleading affiliation. Using Bluesky trademarks in any manner that falsely suggests sponsorship, endorsement, or official affiliation with Bluesky Social PBC.

7.5. Advertising keywords. Purchasing or using Bluesky trademarks as keywords in paid search advertising (including Google Ads, Bing Ads, or equivalent services) in a manner that suggests official affiliation.

7.6. Disparaging or unlawful use. Using Bluesky trademarks in connection with illegal activity, or in a manner that is defamatory, obscene, or likely to bring the Bluesky brand into disrepute.

7.7. Certification or compliance claims. Claiming that a product or service is "Bluesky Certified," "Bluesky Approved," "Bluesky Verified," or similar. Bluesky does not operate a certification program, and no third party may imply the existence of one.

8. Usage Requirements

All permitted uses of Bluesky trademarks, whether pre-approved or approved through the permission process, must comply with the following. Section 8.1 applies to uses of the Bluesky word mark in text. Section 8.2 applies to all uses except social media icon use under Section 4.1.

8.1. Use the exact mark. Use 'Bluesky' in its exact form with a capital 'B.' Do not abbreviate, hyphenate, or modify the mark (e.g., do not write 'Blue Sky,' 'Blue-sky,' 'bsky,' or 'BS'). Use the word mark only as a proper adjective, not as a noun or verb. You may download Bluesky's brand assets for use in accordance with this Policy and Bluesky's Brand Guidelines here.

8.2. Prominence of your own brand. In any material that references Bluesky, your own brand, product name, or identity must be displayed at least as prominently as the Bluesky mark.

9. Reporting Misuse

If you become aware of any use of Bluesky trademarks that you believe violates this policy, please report it to trademarks@blueskyweb.xyz. Bluesky takes misuse seriously, as failure to enforce trademark rights can result in their loss.

10. Revocation, Disclaimer, and Governing Law

10.1. Revocation right. Bluesky reserves the right to revoke any permission granted under this policy at any time, for any reason, upon reasonable written notice. Bluesky may also update this policy from time to time. Continued use of Bluesky trademarks following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10.2. No waiver. Nothing in this policy constitutes a waiver, limitation, or relinquishment of Bluesky's trademark rights. All permissions granted in this policy are revocable at Bluesky's discretion.

10.3. No warranty, dispute resolution. Bluesky makes no representations regarding any third party's right to use Bluesky marks. Permission to use the marks under this policy does not constitute a warranty of non-infringement. Bluesky assumes no liability arising from any permitted use. Any dispute arising from use of the marks is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, and the parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in King County, Washington.

11. Contact

For trademark questions, permission requests, or misuse reports:

Email: trademarks@blueskyweb.xyz

Appendix A: Bluesky Standard Trademark Permission Terms

These Bluesky Standard Trademark Permission Terms ("Terms") are Appendix A to the Bluesky Trademark Policy and apply to the trademark permission granted by Bluesky Social PBC ("Bluesky") in an approval email that references these Terms ("Approval Email"). By replying "I agree to the Standard Trademark Permission Terms," or by using any Licensed Marks after receiving the Approval Email, the recipient identified in the Approval Email ("Licensee") agrees to these Terms. "Licensed Marks" means the Bluesky trademarks identified in the Approval Email. "Approved Use" means the specific use described in the Approval Email.

1. Grant of License

Bluesky grants Licensee a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to use the Licensed Marks solely for the Approved Use and solely in accordance with these Terms, the Bluesky Trademark Policy, and the Bluesky Brand Guidelines. Licensee shall not sublicense, assign, or transfer any rights granted under these Terms to any third party.

2. Quality Standards

Licensee acknowledges that the Licensed Marks represent the quality and reputation of Bluesky and the AT Protocol ecosystem. Licensee shall:

2.1. Maintain a standard of quality in connection with the Approved Use that is consistent with the quality standards associated with the Licensed Marks as reasonably determined by Bluesky.

2.2. Promptly comply with any written request from Bluesky to modify, correct, or cease any use of the Licensed Marks that Bluesky reasonably determines does not meet the standards of these Terms, the Bluesky Trademark Policy, or the Bluesky Brand Guidelines.

2.3. Upon Bluesky's reasonable request, provide samples or descriptions of materials bearing the Licensed Marks for Bluesky's review.

3. Ownership

Licensee acknowledges that Bluesky is the sole owner of all right, title, and interest in and to the Licensed Marks, together with all goodwill associated therewith. All use of the Licensed Marks by Licensee shall inure to the benefit of Bluesky. Nothing in these Terms grants Licensee any ownership interest in the Licensed Marks. Licensee shall not challenge, contest, or take any action inconsistent with Bluesky's ownership of the Licensed Marks.

4. Term and Termination

4.1. Term. These Terms are effective upon Licensee's acceptance and continues until terminated by either party.

4.2. Termination by Licensee. Licensee may terminate these Terms at any time by ceasing all use of the Licensed Marks and providing written notice to trademarks@blueskyweb.xyz.

4.3. Termination by Bluesky. Bluesky may terminate these Terms (a) immediately upon written notice if Licensee breaches these Terms, the Bluesky Trademark Policy, or the Bluesky Brand Guidelines, or (b) for any reason upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the email address used by Licensee in the permission request or acceptance reply.

4.4. Effect of Termination. Upon termination, Licensee shall immediately cease all use of the Licensed Marks and destroy or remove all materials bearing the Licensed Marks within fifteen (15) days. Sections 3, 4.4, and 5 survive termination.

5. General Provisions

5.1. Entire Agreement. These Terms, the Approval Email, the Bluesky Trademark Policy, and the Bluesky Brand Guidelines constitute the entire agreement between Bluesky and Licensee concerning the Approved Use.

5.2. Amendments. Bluesky may amend these Terms by publishing a revised version on the Bluesky Trademark Policy page. Continued use of the Licensed Marks following publication of any amendment constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

5.3. Severability. If any provision of these Terms is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

5.4. No Waiver. Bluesky's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or of Bluesky's right to enforce it in the future.

5.5. Notices. Notices to Bluesky shall be sent to trademarks@blueskyweb.xyz. Notices to Licensee shall be sent to the email address used by Licensee in the permission request or acceptance reply.