windows logos on custom keycap sets

[Special K]

I've just started to follow the custom keycap discussions here and on other websites (PMK, MD, DT) and have noticed that many (all?) of the custom keycap sets handle the win keys in one of the following ways:

1. Simply using the word "Win"
2. Using a weird windows-like symbol that only vaguely resembles the actual Windows logo
3. Using the old style windows 95-98 logo
4. Using some other non-windows logo that fits the theme of the keycap set

I did a search and couldn't find anything, so I'll ask it here:

Were these options used because the Windows logo is a trademark and you would have to pay Microsoft to print it on the keycap?  If so, then why is option 3 above allowed?

If it is a trademark issue, do the plastics manufacturers screen custom keycap designs for potentially trademarked logos before they print them, or do the organizers on GH/PMK/DT remove any trademarked logos before submitting the designs to the manufacturers in order to prevent any potential trademark issues?   

Was it done because the plastics manufacturers don't have a way to print/engrave/dyesub/doubleshot a true windows logo? 

Anyway it was just something I noticed and thought I'd ask about.

[Bromono]

I've just started to follow the custom keycap discussions here and on other websites (PMK, MD, DT) and have noticed that many (all?) of the custom keycap sets handle the win keys in one of the following ways:

1. Simply using the word "Win"
2. Using a weird windows-like symbol that only vaguely resembles the actual Windows logo
3. Using the old style windows 95-98 logo
4. Using some other non-windows logo that fits the theme of the keycap set

I did a search and couldn't find anything, so I'll ask it here:

Were these options used because the Windows logo is a trademark and you would have to pay Microsoft to print it on the keycap?  If so, then why is option 3 above allowed?

If it is a trademark issue, do the plastics manufacturers screen custom keycap designs for potentially trademarked logos before they print them, or do the organizers on GH/PMK/DT remove any trademarked logos before submitting the designs to the manufacturers in order to prevent any potential trademark issues?   

Was it done because the plastics manufacturers don't have a way to print/engrave/dyesub/doubleshot a true windows logo? 

Anyway it was just something I noticed and thought I'd ask about.

I think people don't like the new windows logo. Some like the old vintage cherry keys that either where winkeyless or had the old logo on it. Just my take on it.

[jdcarpe]

For GMK and SP double shot, at least, the Windows key options you have are the ones they already have legends cut for.

[Daniel Beardsmore]

The argument raised by Tai-Hao against using the Windows logo on their new keycap sets was that it's trademarked, which is why they shipped blanks (where in the past, they produced keycap sets for Focus with proper Windows logo keys included, but pad printed). It's a strange one, as you'd think that Microsoft would be keen to have their logo on every keyboard, but then they apparently introduced a stupid rule that the Windows key had to have a physical Vista bubble on it, and that bubble annoys some people more than the logo itself (personally I couldn't care less). Tai-Hao have found some compromise with recent keycaps but it's still not the full Windows logo.

If I'm going to have the Windows logo, I'd rather it be the most recent one.

[noisyturtle]

I wish more people would use the Win '98 logo instead of the gross and boring Win 9 logo.

[Fnzzy]

Win 9 logo.

ebin trole

[Janeiac]

My understanding is that Microsoft has certain requirements keyboard makers must meet -- protocols and standards-- before they are authorized to use the trademarked Windows logo. Since there is no way to ensure compliance in hacked, modded,  and home built boards, Microsoft doesn't allow the individual logo key to be sold. You can buy a whole set that includes the Winoows-logo key, I think, as this is offered as a repair part for already-approved Unicomp boards. Someone with evidence otherwise please correct me if I am mistaken.

[jacobolus]

Someone should just draw a little broken window logo and be done with it.

[Huxley2500]

You are supposed to pay Microsoft for the "Windows Certified" program.

[Special K]

For GMK and SP double shot, at least, the Windows key options you have are the ones they already have legends cut for.

Which Windows logos do they already have legends for (95/98, XP/Vista, 8)?

[bueller]

For GMK and SP double shot, at least, the Windows key options you have are the ones they already have legends cut for.

Which Windows logos do they already have legends for (95/98, XP/Vista, ?

In double shot I'm pretty sure they only have Windows 7 and Windows 8. Personally I don't get the W8 logo hate, I think it looks modern and matches well with most sets.

[tbc]

For GMK and SP double shot, at least, the Windows key options you have are the ones they already have legends cut for.

Which Windows logos do they already have legends for (95/98, XP/Vista, ?

In double shot I'm pretty sure they only have Windows 7 and Windows 8. Personally I don't get the W8 logo hate, I think it looks modern and matches well with most sets.

me neither

super clean.

geometric shapes.

what's not to like?

[Findecanor]

I wish more people would use the Win '98 logo instead of the gross and boring Win 9 logo.

I think the XP-to-7 logo is the most stylish, without bump of course.

But I much rather prefer something else than a Windows logo or lookalike because I don't use Windows that much.
The logo that Tai-Hao uses is just ugly.

[tbc]

The logo that Tai-Hao uses is just ugly.

all of humanity agrees on this right?

[Dihedral]

There was a painfully long and protracted thread on this topic.

My favorite windows logo is also the Win8 one.

[Sencha]

If I was designing my own board I'd just have this on the win key

[Janeiac]

You are supposed to pay Microsoft for the "Windows Certified" program.

Yes, this also. Companies have to pay for the privilege of being authorized.

[JaccoW]

There was a painfully long and protracted thread on this topic.

My favorite windows logo is also the Win8 one.

Karura had a thread on this I believe. It was part of a discussion on what people preferred in their custom sets.

[JaccoW]

There was a painfully long and protracted thread on this topic.

My favorite windows logo is also the Win8 one.

Karura had a thread on this I believe. It was part of a discussion on what people preferred in their custom sets.

Found it

[KRKS]

Just put #! there, problem solved.

[Dihedral]

There was a painfully long and protracted thread on this topic.

My favorite windows logo is also the Win8 one.

Karura had a thread on this I believe. It was part of a discussion on what people preferred in their custom sets.

I was referring to that vote thread.