Brand & Logo Usage

Permitted Use Without Individual Approval

Press coverage about Baduno may use the name and logo unchanged; customers may truthfully state that they work with us ("Localization: Baduno GmbH"). Links to baduno.com are welcome and do not require approval.

Partner Usage

Referral and technology partners receive, upon conclusion of the agreement, a simple right to use the logo for the duration of the partnership, limited to truthful representation of the cooperation. White-label partners contractually refrain from mentioning us – in such cases, we consciously stay out of sight.

Prohibited Use

Prohibited are: alteration or distortion of the logo, use in a misleading context (such as an alleged certification), registration of confusingly similar domains or trademarks, as well as any use that suggests a non-existent business relationship. In case of violations, we reserve the right to take trademark law action.

Files & Guidelines

Logo files in print- and web-compatible formats as well as brief design guidelines (clear space, minimum size, color values) are available upon request via [email protected]. Please use only these original files.

Step-by-Step Practical Example

Suppose a customer from the mechanical engineering sector wishes to place a reference to the collaboration with Baduno on their website. The responsible marketing employee first checks the internal communication policy. Step 1: He determines that the truthful statement “Localization: Baduno GmbH” is permissible without individual approval. Step 2: To properly include the logo, he sends an email to [email protected] requesting logo files. Baduno responds with a link to print and web-ready formats as well as design specifications (clear space, minimum size, color values). Step 3: The employee uses the logo unchanged according to the specifications – for example, in the footer of the page with a link to baduno.com. Step 4: Before publication, he checks whether the logo has been altered or appears in a misleading context (e.g., as a seal of approval). Since this is not the case, the page can go live as planned. For questions regarding correct display, Baduno is always available via email. This ensures that usage complies with the guidelines and that trademark conflicts are avoided.

Common Misunderstandings

In contact with customers and partners, similar ambiguities repeatedly arise. A widespread misconception is that any mention of the name Baduno requires separate approval. In fact, press and customers may use the name without approval as long as the representation is factual and truthful – for example, in a test report or as a reference. A second misunderstanding concerns modifications to the logo. Some users think they may adjust the logo's colors or embed it into other graphics. However, the guidelines prohibit any alteration or distortion; only the original files may be used. A third point: The option to use a partner logo is often confused with a general permission. Only those with a written partnership agreement receive a simple usage right – and even then only for the duration of the partnership. White-label partners, by contrast, contractually refrain from mentioning Baduno altogether. This distinction is important to prevent misuse. Anyone unsure can always inquire at [email protected] – we are happy to clarify whether a planned use is permissible.

What This Means for Customers in Practice

For customers of Baduno GmbH, the brand policy provides clear scope for action. They may mention our collaboration with third parties as long as it is truthful. A typical sentence such as 'Our translation project was localized by Baduno GmbH' is readily permissible. Linking to baduno.com is also welcome and requires no approval. If a customer wishes to use the logo – for example in a reference list – they must take it unchanged from the official files. Baduno provides the necessary logo files and design specifications upon request. Important: The logo must not be misconstrued as a quality seal or certificate. It merely signals the business relationship. Likewise, the customer must not give the impression that they are part of Baduno or that they offer localization services under the Baduno name themselves. The limit is reached when the mention constructs a misleading business relationship. If these rules are observed, a positive and legally compliant presentation of one's own brand in connection with Baduno is easily possible. For questions regarding specific representations, the Baduno team at [email protected] is happy to help.

Interaction with our other guidelines

Brand and logo use should not be viewed in isolation but in the context of other Baduno policies, such as those on confidentiality and data protection. When a customer or partner mentions Baduno in a publication, no confidential information may be disclosed – for example, specific project content or technical details that are subject to a separate non-disclosure agreement. Use of the logo does not imply a right to communicate internal processes or non-public business figures. It should also be noted that customer references or partner lists published online by Baduno are of course only made with the consent of the companies mentioned. Anyone referencing us as a reference should coordinate this with their contact person at Baduno to ensure the representation is correct and up to date. Use of the logo on social media platforms is also subject to the same requirements: only original files, no alteration, no misleading contexts. If a jointly created case study or press release is planned, it is advisable to involve Baduno's communications department early on. This avoids misunderstandings and both sides ensure that the brand and message remain consistent. For questions about the interplay of individual policies, the Baduno team is happy to help – simply email [email protected].

Internal process at Baduno

At Baduno, processing a request for logo usage follows a defined internal process that ensures a fast and binding response. When you send an email to [email protected] requesting logo files, it is first reviewed by the executive assistant. Typically, a reply is sent within two working days containing a link to a protected area where the logo files are available in various formats (EPS, PNG, JPG) along with the current design guidelines. For requests that go beyond mere file provision – such as reviewing a planned use – the email is forwarded to the relevant legal or marketing department. The employee there reviews the matter using an internal checklist: Is the use truthful? Is the logo used unchanged and in accordance with the guidelines? Is there a contractual basis (e.g., partnership agreement)? Is it a permissible press or customer context? Approval is granted only after a positive review. In case of violations or unclear cases, the requester is contacted and asked to make adjustments. This process ensures that the brand is consistently protected and that customers and partners receive the necessary materials quickly.

Terms Clearly Explained

This page uses various technical terms, which we would like to briefly explain to avoid misunderstandings. 'Simple right of use' means that the partner may use the logo, but without exclusive claim. Baduno may therefore also use the logo for other partners or itself. The right is non-transferable and ends with the partnership. 'White-label partners' are companies that offer Baduno technology or services under their own name. Contractually, it is agreed that Baduno will not be visible in this context – neither through logo nor name mention. The partner thus deliberately refrains from using the Baduno brand. 'Distortion' refers to any change to the logo that goes beyond mere resizing or compliance with the protected area. This includes, for example, color changes, adding shadows, rotations, or embedding in other graphics. 'Protected area' is the minimum distance that must be kept clear around the logo so that it does not collide with other elements. The exact dimensions are included in the design guidelines. 'Minimum size' indicates how small the logo may be displayed to ensure legibility and recognition. These values are transmitted with the logo files. If a term remains unclear, Baduno is always available for questions.

Our Internal Process

When a request for logo usage is received via email at [email protected], it goes through a standardized internal process. First, the responsible employee checks whether the requester can be categorized as a customer, partner, or press representative. This categorization determines whether immediate approval is possible or whether consultation with management is required.

For customer and press requests that fall within the scope of permitted usage, we promptly provide the necessary logo files and current design guidelines. The process is documented in an internal system to track who received which files. For partner requests, we additionally verify the status of the partnership agreement and the usage period specified therein.

If the intended use goes beyond standard permitted forms—such as placing the logo on merchandise items—we forward the request to the legal department. They assess whether a case-by-case approval can be granted. In any case, requesters receive a response within two business days.

Through this structured process, we ensure that all uses of our trademark are consistent and legally secure. At the same time, we keep the bureaucratic burden low for customers and partners by establishing clear criteria and fast processing paths.

Terms explained clearly

To apply the brand guidelines correctly, understanding a few technical terms is helpful. 'Simple usage right' refers to the permission to use the logo in its unchanged original form for a specific purpose—but without the authority to pass it on or grant licenses yourself. Partners receive this right for a limited period upon concluding a contract.

'White-label partners' are companies that offer our localization services under their own brand name. In these cases, it is contractually agreed that Baduno does not appear externally. Therefore, these partners are generally prohibited from using our logo or name.

The term 'clear space' refers to the minimum distance that must be kept clear around the logo to maintain its visual impact. This distance is precisely defined in the design guidelines. When used on websites or in print materials, ensure that no text, graphics, or borders intrude into this area.

'Alteration' includes any modification of the logo, whether through color changes, distortions, rotations, or embedding in other graphics. Our guidelines expressly prohibit such interventions to protect recognizability and brand value. Only the original files provided by us may be used.

Interaction with our other guidelines

The Brand and Logo Use Policy is part of our overarching compliance framework. It does not stand alone but specifically complements our General Terms and Conditions (GTC) and Privacy Policy. For example, the GTC govern the basic obligations of customers and partners, while the Brand Policy specifies in detail how our trademarks may be used.

A violation of the Brand Policy may also constitute a breach of contract if the user is bound to comply through a partnership agreement. In such cases, we reserve the right to consider contractual consequences in addition to trademark law measures, such as termination of the partnership.

The Brand Policy is also relevant in connection with our Privacy Policy: when customers or partners embed our logo on their website, they must ensure that this does not involve any data protection violations – for example, through unauthorized tracking elements in the logo file. Our logo files contain no such functions; nevertheless, compliance with data protection regulations lies with the respective website operator.

Separate contractual provisions apply to white-label partners, stipulating the non-use of our brand. These agreements take precedence over the general Brand Policy. For questions regarding the interaction of these policies, our team is available at [email protected].