Microsoft Partner Program Certified Partner Logo Usage Guidelines

Transcription

1 This document provides guidelines on the use of logos and visual brand elements on all Microsoft partner marketing and collateral materials. Regardless of whether they originate from Microsoft or the partner, all these materials fall into two categories: Microsoft-branded and partner-branded. These Microsoft Partner Program do not authorize partner use of Microsoft logos, content, or other Microsoft branded elements. A partner must be a Microsoft Certified Partner with a valid Agreement in place in order to use the trademarks, logos, symbols, and names (collectively, the Microsoft marks ), content, and other visual brand elements that appear in the Microsoft materials. Your authorization to use the Microsoft marks and materials is subject to the terms and conditions of the Microsoft Partner Program Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between these Guidelines and the Microsoft Partner Program Agreement, these Guidelines shall prevail. These Guidelines may be updated or revised from time to time, and you agree to adhere to those changes. Microsoft-branded materials visual identity and logo The encompasses all of the partner services, content, guidelines, and other information and resources that Microsoft provides to you. Watch for the Microsoft Partner Program logo and visual identity on communications from Microsoft to ensure that you are getting all of the partner program content available. All material developed for our partners will clearly communicate WHAT it is (such as: Smart Client Resource CD ) and WHO it is for (such as for ISV/Software Solution Partners ). The logo and visual identity is only for use by Microsoft in communications to partners, and never for partner-generated materials. Partner-to-customer materials Microsoft creates Microsoft-branded materials for your use with your customers. These materials communicate about particular Microsoft software, hardware, technology, or services. All Microsoftbranded customer-facing materials and templates ( Microsoft materials ) identify specific areas where you, the partner, can place your logo, call to action, legal disclaimers, contact information, and the Microsoft Certified Partner logo. These materials should look like they come from Microsoft, and will include branding and content that leverages existing regional and global marketing initiatives. Partner-branded materials Partner-branded materials are those advertisements, collateral, and other marketing materials that promote a partner s services or business. These materials must clearly look like they come from the partner and not from Microsoft. They will feature the partner s logo and branding, although they may include the Microsoft Certified Partner logo to identify the partner s business relationship with Microsoft. Unless a partner is licensed to use a specific Microsoft logo under one of the Microsoft logo programs, partners must not use any other Microsoft logos, Microsoft fonts (Franklin Gothic, Segoe, and ITC Berkeley), Microsoft hardware, software, technology or services logos, subbrand logos, or other brand elements from the Microsoft master brand or subbrands on these materials.

2 Partners may only use the Microsoft corporate name, product names, and trademarks in plain text not as logos, designs, or word marks in stylized form to identify and refer to Microsoft and its technologies and services, in accordance with the General Microsoft Trademark Guidelines located at If a graphic image is desired to depict a particular Microsoft technology, partners may use box shot images available on For a list of current Microsoft logo programs, please visit 2

3 General guidelines for the use of Microsoft marks on Microsoft-branded materials Microsoft master brand and logo Microsoft subbrands Microsoft product brands and logos Partner logos and branding Microsoft Certified Partner logo Certified Partner logo usage guidelines Using the Logo Translation guidelines Clear space Minimum size Color palette Orientation Lockup Compliance with guidelines Usage examples Downloads Contacts Microsoft Competencies Microsoft fonts

4 General guidelines for the use of Microsoft marks on Microsoft-branded materials 1. You must meet all the qualifications of a Certified Partner under the Microsoft Partner Program and accept the terms and conditions of the Agreement in order to use the Microsoft marks and materials according to these guidelines. 2. You may only use the Microsoft marks on Microsoft materials provided by Microsoft. You may only use the Microsoft materials to advertise and market your products if they include Microsoft software preinstalled or packaged with your product. You may also use the Microsoft materials to advertise and market services you provide in connection with Microsoft technologies. 3. The Microsoft marks and materials must not be changed in any way except to include your logo and information about your company, products, and services in the areas indicated on such materials. 4. Your logo and message must make it clear that your products and services come from you and not from Microsoft. 5. You may use the appropriate Microsoft Certified Partner logo in the area provided on the Microsoft materials in accordance with the guidelines provided below (see Certified Partner logo usage guidelines on page 13). Your logo and message may not, however, create the impression that you are affiliated with or sponsored by Microsoft or that you have the endorsement or approval of Microsoft other than as provided under the Microsoft Partner Program. 6. You may not use the Microsoft materials for the transmission or distribution of any unsolicited bulk , unsolicited commercial , or in any manner that would violate local law or custom. The following sections provide additional guidelines and restrictions concerning the use of specific types of Microsoft marks, brands, subbrands, Microsoft Competencies, and fonts within Microsoft materials or partner-branded materials. 4

5 Microsoft master brand and logo The Microsoft logo, one of the most recognized corporate marks in the world, is likely our most valuable visual asset. Its presence in marketing collateral, indicating that the messages are from Microsoft, brings that value to your marketing efforts and to your organization through our close relationship with you. By working together to protect and use the logo correctly, it will retain its full meaning and value over time. Microsoft-branded materials The Microsoft logo and other master brand elements including brand graphics and photography may appear on Microsoft-branded materials. Their size and placement are predetermined to correspond with the Microsoft corporate brand guidelines. Do not rearrange, resize, or alter in any way the Microsoft logo or master brand elements on a Microsoft-provided template. Partner-branded materials Because the Microsoft logo indicates that the messaging is from Microsoft, you are not allowed to use the Microsoft logo or other master brand elements including brand graphics and photography on partner-branded materials. 5

6 Microsoft subbrands Under the Microsoft master brand are the core subbrands, identifying the lead technologies and services from Microsoft. The core subbrands include: Microsoft Windows (platform brand) Microsoft Windows Server System Microsoft Business Solutions Microsoft Visual Studio Microsoft Office Microsoft.NET (ingredient brand) MSN Xbox 6

7 Microsoft-branded materials The Microsoft subbrand logos and other brand elements may appear on Microsoft-branded materials. Their size and placement are predetermined to correspond with the Microsoft corporate and product brand guidelines. Do not rearrange, resize, or alter in any way the subbrand logos or brand elements on a Microsoft-provided template. Partner-branded materials You are not allowed to use the Microsoft subbrand logos or brand elements on partner-branded materials. 7

8 Microsoft product brands and logos Most Microsoft products have a logotype lockup clearly identifying the product and, often, the subbrand under which it falls. For example, the Microsoft Word (product) logotype is locked up with the Microsoft Office (subbrand) logotype and the Office (subbrand) logo. In some cases, the product will have brand elements, such as a certain color or image/photograph, that are part of its identity (such as the Microsoft server photographs). 8

9 Microsoft-branded materials Logos and other brand elements identified with specific Microsoft products may appear on Microsoft-branded materials. Microsoft-branded materials may also include specific images, graphic elements, and key messaging tied to national or global advertising or marketing campaigns. The size and placement of these elements are predetermined to reflect the Microsoft corporate and product brand guidelines. You are not allowed to rearrange, resize, or alter in any way the product-specific logos or brand elements on a Microsoft-provided template. Partner-branded materials You are not allowed to use the Microsoft product logos or brand elements on partner-branded materials. In addition, you are not allowed to use the advertising or marketing campaign messaging or creative elements on your partner-branded materials. 9

10 Partner logos and branding The exists to ensure the continued growth and success of partners like you as you deliver services, products, and solutions based on Microsoft technology. As a member of the, you have the opportunity to cobrand your marketing materials, enabling you to leverage the assets of the Microsoft brand. Microsoft-branded materials Microsoft provides you with an ongoing series of marketing tools, templates, and collateral to assist your business development efforts. These materials include a place for your logos, offers, and legal and contact information. The size and placement of these elements are predetermined to correspond with the Microsoft corporate and product brand guidelines. You must place your logo and other information in accordance with the Microsoft-provided template. In the logo/brand hierarchy of these pieces, your company logo must be smaller and less prominent than any Microsoft product or subbrand logo. 10

11 Partner-branded materials Partner-branded materials must clearly show that they originate from you. Your logo and branding should be prevalent. The Microsoft Certified Partner logo may be included, but must be smaller and less prominent than your company logo. Other than the Microsoft Certified Partner logo, no Microsoft logos or visual branding may be included on partner-branded materials. Microsoft Certified Partner logo A key benefit of your Microsoft Certified Partner membership is using the Microsoft Certified Partner brand graphic to accompany your corporate identity and marketing messages. The Microsoft Certified Partner logo indicates that your company has a significant level of industry experience providing services, software, or support for Microsoft technologies. Use of the Microsoft Certified Partner logo signifies not only your level of qualification, but also your close relationship with Microsoft. The brand signifies that your company is: Reliable Experienced Leading-edge Endorsed by Microsoft As a Certified Partner, you may also use a Microsoft-provided version of the Certified Partner logo that lists your Competencies instead of the standalone Microsoft Certified Partner logo. See Microsoft Competencies on page

12 Microsoft-branded materials The Microsoft Certified Partner logo may accompany your company logo on Microsoft-branded materials. Their size and placement are predetermined to correspond with the Microsoft corporate and product brand guidelines. The Certified Partner logo should be placed in the lower right-hand corner of the partner content area, as indicated on Microsoft-provided templates, and must be smaller and less prominent than your company logo. On one-page, Microsoft-branded materials (ads, business letters, flyers, posters, etc.), Certified Partners can use their company logo paired with the Certified Partner logo, as shown below. In this case, you cannot also use the Certified Partner/Competency logo lockup. 12

13 Partner-branded materials The Certified Partner logo may be included on partner-branded materials. The size and placement of the Certified Partner logo must be smaller and less prominent than your company logo and comply with the following logo guidelines. Certified Partner logo usage guidelines Follow these logo guidelines when using the Microsoft Certified Partner logo. Using the Logo You may use the Microsoft Certified Partner logo ( the Logo ) to promote your company and your professional relationship with Microsoft. However, the Logo must be used only as a symbol to signify that relationship and may not be used when you're not promoting services related to Microsoft technologies. The Logo is a graphic symbol that you may use to signify your experience in providing services, software, or support for Microsoft products. Acronyms must not be used in any situation! Correct Microsoft Certified Partner You may not alter the artwork in any way. Incorrect MCP 13

14 The Logo may not be translated or localized into any other language. Some of the naming surrounding the brand may be translated. See Translation Guidelines on page 15 for additional information. Membership in the Microsoft Certified Partner program does not create a legal partnership with Microsoft. Customer contracts must disclaim a legal partnership with Microsoft. Please do not refer to yourself merely as "partners" (especially in lower case), rather than as a "Microsoft Certified Partner." Do not refer to your relationship with Microsoft as a "partnership." Any office or subsidiary of your company, within the same country as the office that has achieved Certified Partner status, may utilize the Logo according to these guidelines provided that they have been registered as a branch site in the Microsoft Partner Program enrollment tool within the Business Profile. For example: Your New York office registers and achieves Certified Partner status. Your San Francisco office may use the Logo once it has been registered as a branch location linked to your New York office. Your Toronto office, however, may only use the Logo if it (or one of your Canadian offices) achieves Certified Partner status in Canada. Your use must clearly indicate that you are independent from Microsoft. You may not display the Logo in any manner that suggests that you are an employee of Microsoft or that Microsoft is a part of your company name. Your trade name or company name must be prominently mentioned in any materials in which the Logo is used. Neither the Logo nor any elements thereof may be included in your trade or business name, domain name, product or service name, logo, trade dress, slogan, or other trademarks. When using the standalone version of the Logo (as opposed to the Certified Partner/Competency logo lockup), do not combine the Logo with any other object, including, but not limited to, other logos, icons, words, graphics, photos, slogans, numbers, design features, symbols, or Web site audio files. When using the Certified Partner/Competency logo lockup, you must use the version provided to you by Microsoft. As with the standalone version, do not combine this version with any other object. You may not use the Logo as a design feature on any of your materials. You may not use the Logo as a link to any other Web page when it is part of your Internet or intranet Web site. The Logo may not be imitated in your materials. The Logo shall be attributed to Microsoft Corporation in all materials where it is used with the following attribution clause: "Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries." You must accept the Agreement and be a Microsoft Certified Partner in good standing before using the Logo. Microsoft Certified Partners must refer to themselves as Microsoft Certified Partners with no further taglines or designation except for text mentions of Microsoft Competencies, as detailed in the Microsoft Competencies section of this document (see page 18). 14

15 Translation guidelines The Logo image must be retained in English. When you are referring to Microsoft Certified Partner in a sentence, you may use translated text that accurately translates as Microsoft Certified Partner. Clear space A minimum amount of space must be left between the Logo and any other object, such as type, other logos, photography, borders, edges, and so on. The required border of space around the Logo must be x wide, where x equals the height of the word Microsoft in the Logo. When using the Certified Partner/Competency logo lockup, the same amount of clear space must be maintained around the entire logo lockup. Minimum size Maintain the integrity of all elements of the Logo. For example, the logotype and trademark notations must be readable; in no case should the Logo appear at such a small size that these conditions are not met. The width of the word Microsoft in the Certified Partner logo must be equal to or greater than 1 inch (2.54 cm). The Logo must be smaller and less prominent than your own logo or company name. 15

16 Color palette The Microsoft Certified Partner logo can appear in two-color, in black, or reversed out to white. When placing the Logo on your marketing or promotional materials, use the variation most appropriate to your audience and marketing budget. Retain the colors of the Logo. Do not alter or change the color. Color Pantone 4-color process RGB (8-bit) Blue PMS 279 C70%+M30% R0+G153+B255 Two-color The two-color Logo in PANTONE 279 (blue) and black should appear on a white background. It is acceptable, but not preferred, to reproduce the Logo on an appropriate light-colored background, where the Logo stands out from the background as it does on a white background. When placed on a dark background, the Logo must always reverse out to white. One-color The one-color (black) Logo should appear on a white background. In most cases it is preferable to use the screened version, but in cases when the printing process affects the legibility of the Logo (such as in newsprint), the line art (or nonscreened version) should be used. If you have any doubts, your printer can help you decide which art will reproduce better. When placed on a dark background the Logo must always reverse out to white. Orientation The Logo must never be displayed in any orientation different from the artwork provided by Microsoft. Do not orient the Logo on its side. The text must always read horizontally on whatever medium it is being placed. Lockup The Logo must never be taken apart and recombined in any way to create new artwork. No part of the Logo may be changed or resized in any way relative to the rest of the Logo. Compliance with guidelines Microsoft reserves the right to inspect all advertising and collateral bearing the Logo and may periodically send out requests for samples. Microsoft also reserves the right to review advertising in publications for compliance with these guidelines and the Microsoft Partner Program Agreement. Companies must correct any deficiencies in their use of the Logo and cease and desist from further publication or distribution of the materials upon reasonable notice from Microsoft. Refusal to correct such deficiencies or to cease publication or distribution could result in revocation of the right to use the Logo. 16

17 Usage examples You may use the Microsoft Certified Partner logo on your company's marketing and promotional materials. Your company's visual identity should mirror your own mission statement. To use the Logo in your marketing and promotional material, always follow the general rules outlined in the Certified Partner logo usage guidelines section on page 13. The following section provides more details on specific applications of the Logo. Business cards Recommended placement of the Logo is in the lower-left or lower-right corner. The Logo must be smaller and less prominent than your own logo or company name. Letterhead It is recommended that the Logo be located in the lower-left corner of the letterhead. It's also acceptable to place the Logo in the lower-right corner. The Logo must be smaller and less prominent than your own logo or company name. Advertisements The Microsoft Certified Partner logo may be used in print advertisements as one-color or two-color. The appropriate amount of clear space must surround the Logo. Recommended placement is in the lower-left area of the layout. The Logo must be smaller and less prominent than your own logo or company name. Web sites The Microsoft Certified Partner logo may be used in Web sites as one-color or two-color. The Logo must be smaller and less prominent than your company logo. Marketing materials When placing the Logo on brochures or demand-generation materials, use the one-color or two-color Logo most appropriate to your audience and marketing budget. The Logo should appear in a prominent spot, but must be smaller and less prominent than your own company's product or service name, logo, or trade or company name. Downloads Available file formats of the Microsoft Certified Partner logo: Print File Type.eps.bmp Screen File Type.eps.bmp.gif.jpg Suggested Usage Vector file format for use in printed materials such as business cards, direct mail, and brochures, or in any materials output to a PostScript-compatible printer. File format for use in on-screen representations at actual size or smaller than the size provided. Color Values PANTONE color process equivalent: C70%+M30% RGB: R0+G153+B255 Hexadecimal: 0099FF For Web site usage Download the Microsoft Certified Partner logo on the Brand Identity Kit CD or from the Certified Partner Private Web site at: 17

18 Contacts If you have questions about using the Logo or if you would like to report the misuse of the Microsoft Certified Partner logo: Trademarks and usage Microsoft Certified Partner Customer Support Find your nearest Regional Service Center at Microsoft Competencies In the, Microsoft Competencies define your skill set and proven capabilities in a specific horizontal solution such as Security and a specific business model such as Independent Software Vendor regardless of what market segment you serve. This allows easier alignment of your business with the appropriate Microsoft sales and marketing initiatives, and enables you to more effectively differentiate your services and products from your competition. You can qualify for any or all Microsoft Competencies, as long as you meet the qualification criteria. The Microsoft Competencies identified for the include: Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Business Intelligence Solutions Information Worker Solutions Integrated E-Business Solutions ISV/Software Solutions Learning Solutions Licensing Solutions Microsoft Business Solutions Networking Infrastructure Solutions OEM Hardware Solutions Security Solutions 18

19 Your Competencies can be identified on marketing materials in three ways: 1. Locked up with the Certified Partner logo. When you qualify in one or more Competencies, you can request from Microsoft a Certified Partner logo with your Competencies affixed in the manner shown below. These Competency lockups may be used in place of the standalone Certified Partner logo on all communications. Up to five Competencies can be locked up with the logo. These will appear in alphabetical order. Important: Microsoft Certified Partners may not use the Competency/Certified logo lockup for areas in which they have not achieved Microsoft Competency membership status. For example, a Microsoft Certified Partner with a Competency in Security Solutions may not represent themselves as a Microsoft Certified Partner with a Competency in Advanced Infrastructure Solutions. 19

20 2. Listed in the body copy of partner-to-customer materials. The partner-specific content may indicate a Competency in the body copy: Our company has achieved a Microsoft Competency in ISV/Software Solutions and in Security Solutions. If you qualify for multiple Competencies, you may list them all, in alphabetical order. 20

21 3. Set apart as a standalone list in partner-to-customer materials. In the partner-specific content area, you can detail your Competencies in the style displayed below, set apart from the main body of the copy. Microsoft Competency: ISV/Software Solutions Security Solutions Note: You may use only one of these three formats in a single piece. For example, do not use the Competency/Certified logo lockup and a text mention in the same document. Important: Any office or subsidiary of your company, within the same country as the office that has achieved any specific Competency, may represent itself as having a Competency in that specific area according to these guidelines, provided it has been registered as a branch site in the enrollment tool within the Business Profile. 21

22 Microsoft-branded materials The Competency/Certified logo lockup can be used on Microsoft-branded materials. Its size and placement correspond with the predetermined location of the Certified Partner logo as indicated on Microsoft-provided templates. As with the non-competency versions, the Competency/Certified logo lockup must be smaller and less prominent than your company logo. When using the Certified Partner logo without the Competency lockup, you may detail the Competency in copy as described previously. Partner-branded materials You may use either the Competency/Certified logo lockup (A) or a text mention (B), within the body or pulled out for emphasis. You are not allowed to use both the Competency/Certified logo lockup and a text mention on the same piece. As with the Certified Partner logo without the Competency lockup, the Competency/Certified logo lockup must be smaller and less prominent than your company logo. 22

23 Microsoft fonts The two new Microsoft type faces Segoe and ITC Berkeley were chosen for their natural fit with the new visual style of the Microsoft brand and for their great flexibility and readability in different media, contexts, and sizes. Microsoft-branded materials Microsoft-branded materials will be produced using the Microsoft fonts in a manner corresponding with Microsoft corporate and product brand guidelines. You are not allowed to resize or alter in any way the fonts used on a Microsoft-provided template. The partner-specific content (offers, contact information, etc.) that appear on these materials must also appear in the appropriate Microsoft font. Partner-branded materials You are not allowed to use the Microsoft fonts on partner-branded materials Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, MSN, the MSN Logo, the.net Logo, the Office logo, Visual Studio, the Visual Studio logo, Windows, the Windows logo, Windows Server System, Xbox, the XBOX logo, and the Xbox X logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. 23