views:

100

answers:

4

I am implementing a piece of software that inventories the list of installed Windows programs, and it would be great if I could use a small Windows logo as an icon inside of my software. What are the legalities surrounding the use of the Microsoft Windows logo in 3rd party software?

+1  A: 

If you develop with Visual Studio, then it is shipped with an image gallery for you to use it.

Visual Studio Image Library

With other development tools it is of course different.

Developer Art
I can't seem to find the Windows logo as part of the VS2010 image library. What is the filename of the actual Windows logo in this .ZIP you mention?
Andrew Garrison
I assume there is a logo there. I can't give you the name, browse the library through.
Developer Art
It turns out there is no Windows logo in that library. I thought it was unlikely. Usually, corporations have strict guidelines around the the use of their logos. Unfortunately I will have to downvote your answer.
Andrew Garrison
A: 

Probably along the lines of 'would MS care?'

Martin Beckett
+1  A: 

"...and which meet the applicable logo program requirements.": http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/en/us/IntellectualProperty/Trademarks/Logo/Programs.aspx

All the mumbo jumbo is there including, ahem, good quality logo images for you to 'admire'.

zaf
Looks like there is an email for inquires too: [email protected]
Dan
Can you guess what the response will be?
zaf
@Dan: That email is for hardware only, not software.
Billy ONeal
A: 

You would be better off using the icon of each individual application rather than using a generic Windows icon for all of them. After all, that's why the applications have icons.

Mark Ransom