Protecting the PostgreSQL project’s trademarks & brand assets
The PostgreSQL Community Association (PGCA*) is an official non-profit organization chartered by the PostgreSQL Core Team to protect the Postgres brand assets.
*Also known as PostgreSQL Community Association of Canada
What is the PGCA non-profit?
PGCA (PostgreSQL Community Association) is a non-profit organization chartered in Canada by the PostgreSQL Core Team in 2011 to hold and protect the Postgres trademarks and domains.
While Postgres is an open source project, its trademarks still need to be protected from misuse of the Postgres name (PostgreSQL, Postgres) and logo (Slonik the elephant) in ways that are not fair use and confuse users. The PGCA also works to defend our trademarks when people who are not representing the PostgreSQL Project attempt to claim rights by filing trademark applications.
Trademarks
& Domains Need
Protecting
The brand assets that PGCA currently protects are trademarks and domains that are required by the Open Source Postgres project.
Postgres Ecosystem Depends on
PGCA
The Postgres ecosystem—worth billions of dollars and used by millions of companies, developers, and enthusiasts—relies on PGCA’s stewardship.
You May Not Have Heard About PGCA (yet)
To date, most of PGCA’s work to protect the PostgreSQL brand has been invisible. As Postgres grows, the work to protect the brand assets is also growing.
The PostgreSQL Trademark policy can be found at: postgresql.org/about/policies/trademarks/
Why does the PGCA non-profit matter?
Ensures fair use
of trademarks
Avoids confusion
about what is (and is not) Postgres
Keeps PostgreSQL free and open source
for the entire community to benefit from
How is PGCA different from other Postgres non-profits?
- Chartered by the PostgreSQL Core Team
- Global responsibility (vs. regional)
- Focus on protecting brand (vs. advocacy & education)
How can I use one of the PostgreSQL trademarks?
Many uses of our trademarks fall under “fair use” and do not require any permission. The PostgreSQL Trademark Policy describes these uses and general requirements. We worked very hard with our legal counsel to make the trademark policy as flexible and permissive as possible—while still protecting the PostgreSQL brand from misuse and confusion.
For uses that fall outside of our trademark policy, or if you have any questions if your usage is "fair use", we recommend you email the PGCA Board to apply for a general use or tradename license.