Microsoft Trademarks
This page provides information about Microsoft's trademarks and their proper use. Ensuring the correct usage of our trademarks helps protect our brand and the integrity of our products and services.
About Microsoft Trademarks
Microsoft Corporation owns a vast portfolio of trademarks that represent our innovative products, services, and technologies. These trademarks are valuable assets that distinguish Microsoft in the global marketplace.
We encourage our partners, developers, and the media to use our trademarks correctly when referring to Microsoft products and services. Please refer to the Trademark Guidelines section for detailed information.
For a comprehensive list of Microsoft trademarks, please consult the official Microsoft Trademarks List.
Why Proper Usage Matters
Proper trademark usage is crucial for several reasons:
- Brand Identity: Trademarks help consumers identify and distinguish Microsoft products and services from those of other companies.
- Legal Protection: Correct usage reinforces our legal rights and prevents unauthorized use or dilution of our brand.
- Consistency: Consistent application of our trademarks across all communications ensures a unified brand experience.
Trademark Guidelines
When using Microsoft trademarks, please adhere to the following general guidelines:
General Usage Principles:
- Attribute Correctly: Always use the appropriate trademark symbol (™, ®) with the first prominent use of a Microsoft trademark in a document or communication.
- Do Not Modify: Never alter Microsoft trademarks, such as by abbreviating, hyphenating, or combining them with other words or punctuation.
- Be Specific: Use the trademark as an adjective to refer to the product or service. For example, "the Microsoft® Windows® operating system" or "using Microsoft® Office® applications."
- Distinguish as a Trademark: Do not use a Microsoft trademark in a way that suggests endorsement or affiliation where none exists.
- Third-Party Use: If you are a partner or developer, refer to our specific partner program guidelines for detailed requirements on using Microsoft trademarks in relation to your offerings.
Examples of Proper and Improper Usage:
Microsoft® Windows®
Proper Use
Microsoft® Word®
Proper Use
Win NT
Improper Use (Should be Microsoft® Windows NT®)
MS Office
Improper Use (Should be Microsoft® Office®)
Run WinXP
Improper Use (Should be "Run Microsoft® Windows XP")
View Detailed Trademark Guidelines
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the use of Microsoft trademarks or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our Legal and Corporate Affairs department.
For specific licensing inquiries, please visit our Microsoft Licensing page.