The ORCID branding guidelines are super strict. They even mention trademarks violations. It seems like smaller projects like Fidus Writer might be better off steering clear. Is there an alternative out there that's more open and accessible for smaller projects? #openaccess #ORCID
https://info.orcid.org/brand-guidelines/#h-orcid-logos-and-icons
@fiduswriter I do not understand the problem you are facing. Could you detail a bit ? Many thanks.
@fresseng Their wording is not very clear, but there are clearly consequences for non-compliance. For example:
* It's forbidden to write the words "Open Researcher and Contributor Identifier" (?)
* Users should not be able to copy their own id (?!)
* ORCIDs have to be verified (how long ago?) and a specific logo has to be used under some conditions.
For a small org it's a minefield and we cannot afford a possible lawsuit. Therefore it's probably best not to integrate ORCID into FW & similar.
@fiduswriter I feel that these rules are quite standard for branding. In your example, the first tells you that ORCID does not want to be spelled out. The second one indicates that you need to use the ORCID API to get that author authenticated through it so that you remove any possibility of error in the ORCID ID. The third one again tells you to use only verified (or API authenticated ID) or specify it if you do not.
To use the internationally accepted identifier in confidence without fearing lawsuit, you can directly ask @ORCID_Org, though I feel that if you do something wrong, you will at worst get a gentle reminder.
@fiduswriter @ORCID_Org Though I do not agree, the simple fact that you feel like it implies that it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Thanks for the warning !
I inquired directly to @ORCID_Org about this concern, and I can confirm that the chances you would get a lawsuit are negligible. I also confirm that the rules are quite standards. As a proof, you have, in @fiduswriter, some rules that look the same.
Anyhow, if you want to get yourself secured, you can also directly contact @ORCID_Org at this email : support@orcid.org.
I hope you will be able to join us in the ORCID community.
@fresseng @ORCID_Org Which of our terms would be those that look similar? AFAIK, we don't have any rules telling people under what conditions they can link to our website and threatening with legal consequences if they do otherwise. The people running Orcid today may all be nice people. The problem is this text they put out. Who knows who runs Orcid in 20 years and whether they will be just as nice.
@fresseng @ORCID_Org Not sure which law allows them to forbid others from using a hyperlink without a specific logo, but the threat is a problem. We have not run into such wording anywhere else. This corporate lawyer language might work for big corporations that constantly sue one-another. That is not a game we and other small actors can afford to play in.
As long there is no clarification and removal of threat, #ORCID should probably be avoided by any open source project.