# BizNode™ Trademark Policy

**Owner:** 1BZ DZIT DAO LLC
**Mark:** BizNode™
**First Use in Commerce:** 2026
**Status:** Common-law trademark (™)

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## 1. Ownership

The name **BizNode™**, the BizNode™ logo, and all associated branding are the exclusive property of **1BZ DZIT DAO LLC**.

Use of the BizNode™ name in commerce, marketing, documentation, or derivative works must comply with this policy.

## 2. Permitted Use

You **may** use the BizNode™ name to:

- Refer to the official BizNode™ software in documentation, blog posts, or reviews
- Describe compatibility with BizNode™ (e.g., "compatible with BizNode™")
- Attribute the original software in forks or derivative works (e.g., "based on BizNode™")

When referencing BizNode™, you must:

- Include the ™ symbol on first use in any document or page
- Not alter the capitalization (always **BizNode™**, never "biznode", "BIZNODE", or "Biz Node")
- Not imply endorsement or affiliation with 1BZ DZIT DAO LLC without written permission

## 3. Restricted Use

You **may not**:

- Use "BizNode" or "BizNode™" as the name of your own product, service, or company
- Register "BizNode" or any confusingly similar name as a trademark, domain, or business name
- Use the BizNode™ logo or branding in a way that suggests official endorsement
- Create merchandise, marketing materials, or commercial offerings using the BizNode™ name without written permission
- Use "BizNode" in app store listings, SaaS product names, or commercial service names

## 4. Derivative Works and Forks

If you fork or create a derivative work of BizNode™:

- You **must** rename your project — do not use "BizNode" in your fork's name
- You **may** state: "Based on BizNode™ by 1BZ DZIT DAO LLC"
- You **must** retain all original copyright and license notices
- You **must not** imply your fork is the official BizNode™ distribution

## 5. Community and Open-Source Use

BizNode™ is open-source under the Apache License 2.0. The open-source license grants rights to the **code**, but does **not** grant rights to the **trademark**.

- The Apache 2.0 license explicitly states (Section 6): *"This License does not grant permission to use the trade names, trademarks, service marks, or product names of the Licensor"*
- Community contributors are welcome but may not use the BizNode™ name to represent unofficial distributions

## 6. Domain Names and Social Media

- Do not register domain names containing "biznode" (e.g., biznode-something.com)
- Do not create social media accounts using "BizNode" that could be confused with official accounts
- Official channels: [github.com/1bzdzit/biznode](https://github.com/1bzdzit/biznode)

## 7. Reporting Violations

If you become aware of unauthorized use of the BizNode™ name or logo, please report it to:

- **Email:** legal@1bz.biz
- **GitHub:** [github.com/1bzdzit/biznode/issues](https://github.com/1bzdzit/biznode/issues)

## 8. Trademark Registration Roadmap

| Phase | Action | Status |
|-------|--------|--------|
| Phase 1 | Common-law ™ usage — establish first use in commerce | **Active** |
| Phase 2 | State trademark registration (Wyoming) | Planned |
| Phase 3 | USPTO federal trademark registration (®) | Planned |

## 9. Legal Notice

BizNode™ is a trademark of 1BZ DZIT DAO LLC.

This trademark policy is not a license agreement. The Apache License 2.0 governs the use of the software code. This policy governs the use of the BizNode™ name and brand.

Unauthorized use of the BizNode™ trademark may result in legal action under applicable trademark law.

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**Copyright © 2026 1BZ DZIT DAO LLC. All rights reserved.**
