Legal Agreements
Explore the legal terms and agreements that govern the use of Actualize by Zero Sum Defense, supporting transparency and trust in our services.
ZSD Marks Usage Guidelines
Last updated: April 23, 2025
These Marks Usage Guidelines ("Guidelines") govern the use of trademarks, service marks, logos, and other brand assets (collectively, "Marks") owned by Zero Sum Defense, Inc. ("ZSD," "we," "us," or "our"). These Guidelines apply to ZSD partners, licensees, and other third parties who are authorized to use our Marks.
ANY USE OF ZSD MARKS MUST COMPLY WITH THESE GUIDELINES. UNAUTHORIZED USE MAY CONSTITUTE TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AND UNFAIR COMPETITION UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS.
Guideline Details
1.1 Core Marks. The following are the primary Marks owned by ZSD:
- Zero Sum Defense™
- ZSD™
- The Zero Sum Defense logo
- Actualize™ by Zero Sum Defense
- Actualize logo
1.2 Product/Feature Marks. The following Marks are associated with specific products or features:
- Secure Enclaves™
- Individual Sovereign Cloud™ (ISC)
- Entity Sovereign Cloud™ (ESC)
- ZSD-ID™
1.3 Ownership. All Marks are the exclusive property of ZSD. Nothing in these Guidelines or any agreement gives you any right, title, or interest in our Marks beyond the limited permission to use them as described herein.
2.1 Proper Use. When using ZSD Marks, always:
- Use the exact Mark as provided by ZSD without alteration
- Use the appropriate trademark symbol (™ or ®) with the first or most prominent use of the Mark
- Include a trademark attribution statement where appropriate
- Maintain clear space around the Mark to ensure visibility and impact
- Use the Mark as an adjective followed by a generic term, not as a noun or verb (e.g., "ZSD Platform" not "ZSD")
2.2 Prohibited Uses. When using ZSD Marks, never:
- Alter, distort, or modify the Marks in any way
- Combine the Marks with other words, symbols, or designs without permission
- Use the Marks in a way that suggests sponsorship or endorsement by ZSD where none exists
- Use the Marks as part of your own product, service, or company names
- Register or use domain names containing ZSD Marks
- Use the Marks in a disparaging or misleading manner
- Use the Marks for any illegal purpose or in connection with anything that violates applicable laws
2.3 Trademark Attribution. Include the following attribution statement when using ZSD Marks in materials where space permits:
"Zero Sum Defense, ZSD, ZSD Secure Enclaves, Individual Sovereign Cloud, Entity Sovereign Cloud, and ZSD-ID are trademarks of Zero Sum Defense, Inc."
3.1 Logo Downloads. Official logo files are available for download at https://actualize.zerosumdefense.io/brand/. Only use logos obtained from this official source.
3.2 Clear Space. Always maintain a minimum clear space around the logo. This space should be equal to at least the height of the "Z" in the ZSD logo.
3.3 Minimum Size. To ensure legibility, do not reproduce the logo at sizes smaller than:
- Print: 0.75 inches (19mm) wide
- Digital: 150 pixels wide
3.4 Color Usage. The preferred color usage for our logos is:
- Primary: Full color version on white or light backgrounds
- Secondary: White version on dark or colored backgrounds
- When color reproduction is not available, use the black or grayscale version
3.5 Logo Don’ts. Never:
- Rotate, skew, or apply effects to the logo
- Change the logo colors
- Rearrange or remove elements of the logo
- Place the logo on busy backgrounds that reduce legibility
- Enclose the logo in a box or other shape unless specifically provided in that format
4.1 Authorized Partners. Certified partners, integrators, and resellers may use ZSD Marks in accordance with their partnership agreement and these Guidelines to indicate their relationship with ZSD.
4.2 Relationship Statements. When referring to your relationship with ZSD, use clear and accurate terms:
- Correct: "XYZ Company, a ZSD partner"
- Correct: "XYZ Solution, compatible with ZSD"
- Correct: "XYZ Solution, compatible with Actualize"
- Correct: "XYZ Service for ZSD users"
- Incorrect: "XYZ ZSD Solution" (implies the solution is developed by ZSD)
- Incorrect: "ZSD by XYZ Company" (implies ownership or creation)
- Incorrect: "XYZ: The Official ZSD Tool" (implies official status)
4.3 Marketing Materials. Partners may use ZSD Marks in marketing materials, subject to these Guidelines and any additional requirements in their partnership agreement. All materials featuring ZSD Marks must be reviewed and approved by ZSD prior to publication or distribution.
4.4 Co-Branding. Co-branded materials must follow these additional requirements:
- The ZSD logo should be of equal size and prominence to the partner logo
- Maintain proper spacing between logos
- Clearly distinguish between ZSD offerings and partner offerings
- Obtain approval from ZSD for the specific co-branding design
4.5 Partner Portal. Authorized partners can access additional branding resources, templates, and guidelines in the Partner Portal at https://actualize.zerosumdefense.io/partners/brand-assets.
5.1 Media Coverage. News publications, blogs, and other media may use ZSD Marks in news coverage and commentary about ZSD and its products, provided such use complies with these Guidelines and does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by ZSD.
5.2 Educational and Informational Use. ZSD Marks may be used in educational materials, research papers, books, and similar works for informational purposes, provided:
- The use is educational or informational and not commercial
- The use complies with these Guidelines
- Proper trademark attribution is included
- The use does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by ZSD
5.3 Screenshots. You may use screenshots of ZSD products and services for educational or informational purposes, provided:
- The screenshots are not altered except for size
- The screenshots do not include confidential or sensitive information
- The screenshots are clearly labeled and properly attributed
- The use complies with the ZSD Services Agreement
6.1 Social Media. When using ZSD Marks on social media:
- You may use ZSD Marks in social media posts that discuss or reference ZSD products
- You may tag ZSD’s official social media accounts
- You may not use ZSD Marks in your social media profile names, handles, or avatars
- You may identify yourself as a partner if you have an active partnership agreement
6.2 Advertising. For advertising that includes ZSD Marks:
- Partners may use ZSD Marks in advertisements according to their partnership agreement
- All advertisements must be reviewed and approved by ZSD before publication
- Advertisements must clearly identify the relationship between the advertiser and ZSD
- ZSD Marks must be used in accordance with these Guidelines
6.3 Merchandise. ZSD Marks may not be used on merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, etc.) without express written permission from ZSD. Please contact brand@zerosumdefense.com for merchandise licensing inquiries.
6.4 Events. For events sponsored by or affiliated with ZSD:
- Use of ZSD Marks must be approved in writing
- The nature of ZSD’s involvement must be clearly communicated
- ZSD Marks must be used in accordance with these Guidelines
- Event materials featuring ZSD Marks must be reviewed and approved by ZSD
7.1 When Approval Is Required. Prior written approval from ZSD is required for:
- Any use not explicitly permitted by these Guidelines
- Co-branded marketing materials
- Advertisements featuring ZSD Marks
- Merchandise featuring ZSD Marks
- Event materials featuring ZSD Marks
- Any use that might imply endorsement or sponsorship by ZSD
7.2 Approval Process. To request approval:
- Submit your request to brand@zerosumdefense.co
- Include a detailed description of the proposed use
- Provide mock-ups or samples of the materials
- Allow at least 5 business days for review
7.3 Approval Term. Approvals are typically granted for a specific use and time period. Significant changes to approved materials require new approval.
8.1 Monitoring. ZSD actively monitors the use of its Marks and takes appropriate measures to protect its intellectual property rights.
8.2 Violations. If you become aware of any unauthorized or improper use of ZSD Marks, please report it to legal@zerosumdefense.co.
8.3 Consequences. Unauthorized or improper use of ZSD Marks may result in:
- Revocation of permission to use ZSD Marks
- Termination of partnership or other agreements
- Legal action for trademark infringement
- Injunctive relief and damages as provided by law
8.4 Important Notice. Permission to use ZSD Marks may be revoked at any time if ZSD determines, in its sole discretion, that the use does not comply with these Guidelines or otherwise harms ZSD’s brand or reputation.
ZSD reserves the right to modify these Guidelines at any time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of ZSD Marks after such changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Guidelines. We encourage you to review these Guidelines periodically to stay informed about our current requirements.
If you have any questions about these Guidelines or using ZSD Marks, please contact us at:
Zero Sum Defense, Inc.
Attn: Brand Department
7455 France Ave S, #277
Minneapolis, MN 55435
Email: brand@zerosumdefense.co
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By using ZSD Marks, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of these Guidelines.
Last updated: April 23, 2025