When referring to or promoting a feature of Microsoft® Windows Media® Technologies, it is important to understand and use the correct naming conventions and trademark guidelines. Following these usage rules in your third-party written and online materials helps us to protect our product name. This Web site provides guidelines for the proper use of the Windows Media trademark in a variety of situations.
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Windows Media Trademark
Windows Media is a trademarked name that identifies operating system features and technologies that are designed to create, edit, play, and distribute streaming or downloadable audio, video, voice, animation, and other media types. We created the Windows Media trademark to highlight exciting innovations in streaming and downloadable media available through the Windows® operating system.
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Correct and Incorrect Uses of the Windows Media Trademark
The Windows Media trademark indicates that Microsoft owns the features of Windows Media. Video or audio content that was created using one of the Windows Media products should not be identified as "Windows Media," but should instead be referred to as "Windows Media–based content" or "Windows Media–formatted content."
Correct First-Mention Usage Examples
- This Web site hosts Windows Media–formatted content.
- Broadcast your event using Windows Media.
- View a news clip with Windows Media Player.
- Download a Windows Media–formatted file to listen to music.
- Use Windows Media Tools to create content.
Incorrect Usage Examples
- This Web site delivers Windows Media.
- Broadcast Windows Media events.
- Listen to Windows Media songs.
- Download Windows Media content.
- Publish Windows Media on the Web.
Terms to Avoid
- Windows Media content
- Windows Media–compatible content
- Advanced Streaming Format (ASF)
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Third-Party Referential Use of the Windows Media Name
Third parties that create products, Web sites, or media content consistent with the guidelines previously described may make referential use of the "Windows Media" word mark in plain text on product packaging and in marketing materials. Such third parties may use the Windows Media word mark to indicate that their products or services use Windows Media–branded products, provided these companies adhere to the following guidelines:
- Third parties may not use Microsoft trademarks as part of their product name(s).
Microsoft trademarks may not be incorporated as part of the name of another company's product or service. A third party may not include "Windows," "Windows Media," or any potentially confusing variation in the name of their product or service. This same rule applies to other Microsoft trademarks, such as "Microsoft®," which should never be included in third-party product or company names.
- Third parties must use Microsoft trademarks in a proper referential manner.
Third parties may make referential use of the Windows Media trademark, but must use phrases indicating their products' relationship to Windows Media, such as "works with" or "for" in front of Windows Media to indicate that the product, Web site, or service uses Windows Media.
In all cases, third-party product names and company names must appear more prominently than "Windows" and "Windows Media." The Windows Media name should be visually distinguished from the third-party product name.
The Windows Media name should be substantially smaller and less conspicuous than the third-party product name. It is important to avoid any implication that the third-party product is produced, endorsed, or supported by Microsoft.
Correct Usage Examples
- Widget Software for Windows Media
- Widget Web site hosting Windows Media–based content
Incorrect Usage Examples
- Widget Software's Windows Media
- Windows Media from Widget Web Services
- Widget with Windows Media
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Third parties may not imply any sponsorship or endorsement by Microsoft.
Third parties may not use any language that implies that Microsoft, Windows, or Windows Media certifies or verifies the company, product, or service, or the way in which the third-party products or services are distributed. Third parties may not use the mark in a manner that suggests that Microsoft is warranting or has tested the products or services.
- Third parties may not create any graphic or design out of the Windows Media trademark and may not include this trademark or name in any logos that they create.
- Third parties should not include the name "Windows" or "Windows Media" in a domain name or use either name to brand their Web site.
- Third parties should use proper trademark symbols and notices.
When referring to the Windows Media name, please do the following:
- Use the symbol ™ with the Windows Media name
- Include the following notice: Windows Media is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
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File Extensions
If a file uses the following extensions, you should refer to it as a Windows Media–formatted file instead of simply referencing the file's three-letter extension.
Please do not use the following terms:
- ASF streams
- ASF or .asf file
- WMA or .wma file
- WMV or .wmv file
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