Branding and trademark guidelines

Many of the official signs and words that represent Ableton and our products are legally registered trademarks, e. g.  the Ableton logo (design mark) and the word “Ableton” (word mark). Product photography and design – among other visual assets – plus the use of product names are also protected. All of these are parts of our brand identity and are extremely important to us because of the trust our user community puts into them.

Therefore, the sole purpose of the following guidelines (which we take quite seriously!) is to ensure that the difference is recognizable between something that is officially provided or supported by Ableton and something that is not. This page shall give you assistance on how and when you may use our trademarks and branding truthfully and in a non-misleading manner.

For which case do you wish to use our brand or trademarks?

• I’m an official partner of Ableton...
• I want to indicate compatibility with an Ableton product or technology…
• I’m setting up or contributing to a social media group or page...
• I’m setting up or maintaining a website...
• I’m creating advertising / promotional / sales material or merchandise...
• I’m organizing or delivering training / events...
• I’m writing a commercial or educational publication...
  

If your individual case isn’t listed or your question isn’t addressed in the guidelines, feel free to get in touch with us at iprights[at]ableton[dot]com.

Last but not least, please be aware that these guidelines are subject to change and are going to be overhauled occasionally. Hence, if one of the above cases applies to you we recommend to revisit every now and then.

I’m an official partner of Ableton…

If you identify yourself as belonging to one of the following groups:

• Ableton Authorized Re-seller
• Ableton Certified Trainer / Training Center
• Ableton User Group Organizer
• Business Partner
• Technology Partner
• Sponsored Group

You should have been provided with special trademark usage guidelines. Feel free to ask your Ableton contact for it, or write to iprights[at]ableton[dot]com and we’ll be happy to help.

As an Ableton Certified Trainer / Training Center, please follow the principles of this guideline, unless your Certified Trainer Agreement states otherwise.

If none of these groups apply to you, please have a look at the previous list of cases under which you might find guidelines that help. If not, feel free to get in touch with us at iprights[at]ableton[dot]com.

>> to the list of cases

I want to indicate compatibility with an Ableton product or technology...

ABLETON DESIGN MARKS

DESIGN

Don't imitate the distinctive Ableton packaging, typefaces and other visual assets (incl. user interface, graphics, graphic symbols).

ABLETON WORDMARKS

You may use "Ableton", "Live", "Push", "Link" or any other Ableton word mark in a phrase that confirms the product is compatible with the relevant Ableton product or technology, e.g.:

But then do make the Ableton word mark appear less prominent than the product name.

ABLETON PRODUCT OR BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

You may show an image of an Ableton product to depict that your product is compatible with the Ableton product or technology.

But then do produce an actual photograph of the genuine Ableton product, in a way that reflects favorably on both the Ableton product and on Ableton.

Always obtain express written permission from Ableton before using any photograph owned by or licensed to Ableton. Feel free to contact us.

IN GENERAL

Feel free to share your own opinion but don’t show Ableton or its products in a false or defaming light. Further we don't tolerate any form of profanity, racism and/or sexist communication.

Please note that official Technology Partners have been provided with special trademark usage guidelines.

>> to the list of cases

I’m setting up or contributing to a social media group or page...

Examples for social media are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Meetup, Soundcloud and Google Plus but these guidelines are also intended for every further or future social media.

Please be aware that the following guidelines apply to personal and professional profiles likewise.

ABLETON DESIGN MARKS

ABLETON WORD MARKS

You may use “Ableton”, “Live”, “Push”, “Link” in the name, but only if used as part of a wider description of the group’s or page’s purpose, e.g.:

Then do include in the description: “ This is not an official Ableton page.”

Always do spell and capitalize Ableton’s trademarks exactly as they are shown in the Ableton Trademark List. 

LINKING TO ABLETON.COM

But then don’t:

ABLETON BRAND AND PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

Don’t use any photograph owned by or licensed to Ableton, instead obtain express written permission beforehand from Ableton by contacting us.

IN GENERAL

Feel free to share your own opinion but don’t show Ableton or its products in a false or defaming light. Further we don't tolerate any form of profanity, racism and/or sexist communication.

Don’t imply Ableton’s affiliation, sponsorship or support by

Please note that official local Ableton User Groups have been provided with special trademark usage guidelines. If you are interested in forming a local User Group in your area that is not listed on our website here, please email usergroups[at]ableton[dot]com and we’ll help you get started.

>> to the list of cases

I’m setting up or maintaining a website...

Please note that official partners have been provided with special trademark usage guidelines.

a) In General

The following applies to your website at any time and regardless of its purpose:

Feel free to share your own opinion but don’t show Ableton or its products in a false or defaming light. Further we don't tolerate any form of profanity, racism and/or sexist communication.

DOMAINS

You may use “Live”, “Push” or “Link” in your domain, e.g.:

Then do put the following disclaimer on the website in a clearly visible location such as in the header or footer:

“ This website is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Ableton AG. The official Ableton website can be found at http://www.ableton.com."

But don’t use “Ableton” in the domain in any way, e.g.:

DESIGN

LINKING TO ABLETON.COM

But then don’t:

b) Commercial websites

Websites that make money through ads, direct sales or any other means should adhere to the following guidelines:

c) Non-commercial Websites

Blogs, music technology/production forums and other online communities should adhere to the following guidelines. Hint: If you are teaching online please also see the case "I’m organizing or delivering training / events..."

ABLETON DESIGN MARKS

ABLETON WORD MARKS

ABLETON PRODUCT OR BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

You may show an image of an Ableton product to visualize, explain and specify content of teaching.

But then do produce an actual photograph of the genuine Ableton product, in a way that reflects favorably on both the Ableton product and on Ableton.

Always obtain express written permission from Ableton before using any photograph owned by or licensed to Ableton. Feel free to contact us.

>> to the list of cases

I’m creating advertising / promotional / sales material or merchandise...

Please note that Ableton Authorized Re-sellers have been provided with special trademark usage guidelines.

MERCHANDISE ITEMS

Examples of merchandise items are T-shirts, mouse pads and bags, etc.

Don’t manufacture, sell or give away merchandise items bearing “Ableton”, “Live”, “Push”, “Link” or any other Ableton trademark, including symbols, logos, or icons. Instead obtain express written trademark license beforehand from Ableton by contacting us.

>> to the list of cases

I’m organizing or delivering training / (teaching) events…

Training or events such as online or offline training sessions, workshops, seminars and conferences should adhere to the following guidelines.

ABLETON DESIGN MARKS

Don’t use the Ableton Logo,  or any previous version thereof.

DESIGN

Don’t imitate the distinctive Ableton design, packaging or typefaces.

SCREENSHOTS AND ICONS

You may use screenshots and icons of Ableton software in training manuals or documentation about an Ableton product.

But then do use the icon in relation specific to the function of the icon and make it appear as it would within Ableton products.

ABLETON WORD MARKS

You may use the Ableton word marks referentially if you make it appear less prominent than the rest of the title, e. g.:

But then do make your name and logo appear more prominent than the Ableton word marks on all materials related to your project.

ABLETON PRODUCT OR BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

You may show images of an Ableton product to visualize, explain and specify content of teaching.

But then do produce an actual photograph of the genuine Ableton product, in a way that reflects favorably on both the Ableton product and on Ableton.

Always obtain express written permission from Ableton before using any photograph owned by or licensed to Ableton. Feel free to contact us.

IN GENERAL

Feel free to share your own opinion but don’t show Ableton or its products in a false or defaming light. Further we don't tolerate any form of profanity, racism and/or sexist communication.

Please note that Ableton Certified Trainers  have been provided with special trademark usage guidelines. If you are interested in becoming an Ableton Certified Trainer in your area, please read here for more information and on how to apply.

>> to the list of cases

I’m writing a commercial or educational publication...

Book titles and publications such as magazines, periodicals, papers or theses for schools or universities should adhere to the following guidelines.

ABLETON DESIGN MARKS

Don’t use the Ableton Logo,  or any previous version thereof.

DESIGN

Don’t imitate the distinctive Ableton design, packaging or typefaces.

SCREENSHOTS AND ICONS

You may use screenshots and icons of Ableton software in training manuals or documentation about an Ableton product.

But then do use the icon in relation specific to the function of the icon and make it appear as it would within Ableton software.

ABLETON WORD MARKS

You may use the Ableton word marks referentially, e. g.:

But then don't use the Ableton word mark as the leading word or most prominent element in your publication.

ABLETON PRODUCT OR BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

You may show images of an Ableton product to visualize, explain and specify content of teaching.

But then do produce an actual photograph of the genuine Ableton product, in a way that reflects favorably on both the Ableton product and on Ableton.

Always obtain express written permission from Ableton before using any photograph owned by or licensed to Ableton. Feel free to contact us.

IN GENERAL

Feel free to share your own opinion but don’t show Ableton or its products in a false or defaming light. Further we don't tolerate any form of profanity, racism and/or sexist communication.

>> to the list of cases