[OSM-legal-talk] Question about copyrighted hiking routes in France

[Eric SIBERT]

> This point has been long discussed on our local list. What you see on
> the ground is the trail markers. One problem is that the markers are
> also copyrighted (the colours and shapes) like a logo. Of course, if
> you put the McDonalds logo on OSM maps, McDo will be happy for the
> free ads and maps are not their business.

MacDo may not be happy because you put on the same map all fast-food 
networks. Or because on your smart-phone app "Find your MacDo", you 
allowed user to share (bad) comments. Using brand/logo is alway legally 
dangerous. If we consider that everything that the use may be dangerous 
should be removed from OSM, then all brands everywhere in the world must 
be removed. Indeed, I consider that this the way we are using it that is 
dangerous i.e. this is the responsibility of the guy doing the extract 
from OSM and organizing the data that is involved.

> But it might be different if
> you put an OS or USGS logo on your OSM maps.

I don't see any problem if you put USGS logo on USGS offices/shops.

Of course, you will get in trouble if you put a big USGS logo on the 
cover of your map.

Again, this is the way you are using it that is critical.

Éric