Trademark Usage Guidelines
Learn how to properly use FamilyTreeDNA trademarks in your content, presentations, and media coverage while respecting our brand integrity.
1. Overview
Gene by Gene, Ltd., operating as FamilyTreeDNA (“FamilyTreeDNA,” “we,” or “our”), owns and protects a number of brand assets, including names, logos, product titles, service marks, and design elements. These include, but are not limited to, FamilyTreeDNA®, Family Finder™, Y-DNA®, mtDNA®, Big Y-700®, myOrigins®, and The Discover™ Platform (together referred to as “FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks”).
These Trademark Usage Guidelines (“Guidelines”) explain the appropriate use of FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks by third parties. Unless you have a specific written agreement with us that grants additional rights, your use of FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks must comply with these Guidelines.
Use outside the scope of these Guidelines is considered unauthorized. Any goodwill generated by the use of FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks belongs exclusively to FamilyTreeDNA. These Guidelines are intended for media outlets, partners, affiliates, and the general public who wish to reference FamilyTreeDNA in editorial, educational, or promotional contexts.
2. General Principles for Using Trademarks
To maintain the strength and distinctiveness of our Trademarks, please follow these usage principles:
✓ Correct: I reviewed my FamilyTreeDNA® test results.
X Incorrect: I did a FamilyTreeDNA to learn about my ancestry.
✓ Correct: Big Y-700® from FamilyTreeDNA
X Incorrect: big Y 700 or Family Tree DNA Always write FamilyTreeDNA, not Family Tree DNA.
Trademarks act as adjectives and should not be used as possessive nouns.
✓ Correct: The Family Finder™ reports provide insight.
X Incorrect: Family Finder’s reports are helpful.
✓ Correct: Multiple Family Finder™ results were shown.
X Incorrect: Family Finders were shown.
Avoid inserting hyphens, slashes, or other punctuation into brand names.
X Incorrect: Family-TreeDNA or FamilyTree-DNA
Visual Asset Usage
For logo and visual brand asset usage, see our [Media Kit] and [Copyright & Usage Policy].
3. Prohibited Uses of FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks
3.2 Implying Sponsorship or Endorsement
Do not use FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks in a way that implies endorsement, sponsorship, or partnership unless you have express written approval. This includes using our marks in product names, domain names, social media handles, or business names.
3.2 Implying Sponsorship or Endorsement
Do not use FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks in a way that implies endorsement, sponsorship, or partnership unless you have express written approval. This includes using our marks in product names, domain names, social media handles, or business names.
3.3 Copying Brand Appearance (Trade Dress)
Do not mimic or replicate the overall look and feel of FamilyTreeDNA’s website, applications, or marketing materials, including layout, typography, icons, and color schemes.
3.4 Similar Branding
You may not create or promote any product, service, or name that is confusingly similar to any FamilyTreeDNA Trademark.
3.5 Modifications and Combinations
Trademarks must not be cropped, stylized, animated, or combined with other text, symbols, or designs.
3.6 Offensive or Inappropriate Contexts
FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks must not appear in association with illegal, explicit, misleading, hateful, or otherwise harmful content.
4. Permissible Uses of FamilyTreeDNA Brand Names
4.1 Factual Reference
You may reference FamilyTreeDNA products or services by name in editorial or educational contexts, provided the references are accurate and non-misleading. Use of logos or stylized trademarks is not permitted under this clause.
4.2 Partner and Affiliate Use
Authorized partners and affiliates may use FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks in accordance with their agreement and these Guidelines. We reserve the right to revoke these rights if use does not align with our brand standards.
4.3 News and Investment Coverage
You may refer to FamilyTreeDNA in news headlines, articles, or investment discussions when accurate and relevant. When referring to us as a company, use FamilyTreeDNA—not familytreedna.com, unless referring specifically to the website. Logos may only be used if obtained through our Media Kit and must not be modified. All logo use must comply with our visual guidelines in the [Media Kit] and must not be altered in any way.
4.4 Educational and Conference Use
You may use FamilyTreeDNA Brand Names in presentations, webinars, or educational events if all the following conditions are met:
- The event name or your branding appears more prominently than any FamilyTreeDNA marks
- You do not use FamilyTreeDNA logos or designs
- The material does not mimic our branding or layout
You include the following disclaimer:
“FamilyTreeDNA® is a trademark of Gene by Gene, Ltd. This event is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FamilyTreeDNA.”
5. Trademark Symbols and Attribution
When practical, use the appropriate trademark symbol (® or ™) on first use:
Example: FamilyTreeDNA® Big Y-700 test
Please also include an attribution statement at the bottom of printed materials, presentations, or webpages:
“[Trademark] is a trademark of Gene by Gene, Ltd.”
If multiple trademarks are used or space is limited, a general notice may be substituted:
“All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.”
6. Questions, Requests, or Reporting Improper Use
To request permission to use a FamilyTreeDNA trademark, please [submit your request here].
To report a potential violation, please [use this form] or email the same address.
7. List of FamilyTreeDNA Trademarks
This is a non-exhaustive list of trademarks owned by FamilyTreeDNA:
- FamilyTreeDNA®
- Family Finder™
- Y-DNA®
- mtDNA®
- Big Y-700®
- myOrigins®
- The Discover™ Platform
- FamilyTreeDNA logo (double helix mark)
Omission of a trademark from this list does not waive our rights to it.
8. Updates to These Guidelines
FamilyTreeDNA may revise these Guidelines at any time. Changes will be posted on this page. Your continued use of our Trademarks after updates means you accept the revised terms.