Yes, you can refer to WordPress on a website—but using its logo, name, “WP,” a plugin slug, or a domain requires care. Use artwork downloaded from WordPress.org, keep the mark descriptive rather than making it your own brand, obtain permission where the Foundation requires it, and never put “WordPress” or “WordCamp” in a main domain, top-level domain, or paid advertisement.
1. Use the official WordPress logo files
WordPress.org’s Graphics & Logos page provides official standard, vertical, word-mark, W-mark and simplified logo files. Download those files instead of copying an image from an unrelated site or drawing a lookalike.
- Use an official asset without altering it into a different identity.
- Follow the WordPress trademark policy whenever the logo appears.
- Replace incorrect lookalikes—sometimes called “fauxgo” logos—and report them when appropriate.
The circular W logo and the WordPress name are protected marks administered by the WordPress Foundation. An official file does not grant unlimited permission to use it as your own company or product identity.
2. Ask the Foundation before making WordPress part of a brand
The Foundation’s policy states: “Permission from the WordPress Foundation is required to use the WordPress or WordCamp name or logo as part of any project, product, service, domain name, or company name.” That requirement covers more than a logo placed in a header; it can apply to the name of a project, service, product, business or website.
Community projects are not automatically exempt
The Foundation identifies possible permission cases for projects whose primary purpose is promoting the spread and improvement of WordPress, that are non-commercial, and that are not associated with entities failing to comply with the GPL. Even a project that meets those conditions must not put WordPress or WordCamp in its domain name.
Commercial businesses should describe, not impersonate
A business can explain what it does: “123 Web Services, offering WordPress consulting for small businesses.” The same business should not present itself as “The WordPress Consulting Company.”
Likewise, “XYZ Themes, the world’s best WordPress themes” describes a commercial offering, while “The WordPress Theme Portal” makes WordPress appear to be the business’s own brand. The policy recommends wording such as “Hosting for WordPress” rather than “Hosted WordPress” or “Managed WordPress Hosting.”
| Use | Typical treatment | Why |
|---|---|---|
| “WordPress consulting” on a services page | Descriptive reference | Explains compatibility or expertise without making WordPress the business name. |
| “The WordPress Consulting Company” | Needs permission and is likely misleading | Uses the mark as the company’s identity. |
| Official WordPress logo beside a page describing your service | May be acceptable under the policy | Page-level explanation is different from adopting the logo as your own brand. |
| WordPress logo as your company or product logo | Not acceptable without authorization | Turns a protected mark into your brand identity. |
3. Keep WordPress and WordCamp out of main domains
The Foundation policy is categorical: “Under no circumstances is it permitted to use WordPress or WordCamp as part of a domain name or top-level domain name.” That means a main site such as wordpress-example.com or a top-level domain built around the mark is not allowed.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →WordPress.org’s domain guidance recommends using “wp” or another variation for a new site about WordPress. A subdomain such as wordpress.example.com can be acceptable when the principal, promoted domain is example.com; it does not turn the protected name into the site’s registered main domain.
Safer naming pattern
- Choose an independent company or project name for the registered domain.
- Use a subdomain or a clearly labelled page to explain WordPress coverage, compatibility or services.
- Describe the relationship accurately and avoid suggesting that WordPress endorses, owns or operates the site.
4. Avoid misleading advertising and confusing “WP” uses
The Foundation says, “We do not allow the use of the trademark in advertising, including AdSense/AdWords.” Do not place WordPress or WordCamp in paid-search copy, display advertising or other paid promotions without the permission required by the policy.
“WP” is not a blanket workaround. The Foundation warns: “Please do not use ‘WP’ in any way that confuses people.” A shortened name, stylized mark or similar visual treatment can still imply an official connection if visitors could reasonably mistake your business, product or event for a WordPress-controlled one.
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Plugin names and slugs have their own risk
WordPress.org Plugin Directory guidelines prohibit using a trademark or another project name as the sole or initial term of a plugin slug unless the author can show legal ownership or representation. The guidance specifically treats “wordpress” in a domain name as a violation and applies the same principle to plugin slugs. A descriptive plugin name that explains compatibility is safer than one that begins with, or consists only of, the protected project name.
Write “WordPress” as an adjective
The WordPress documentation style guide says trademarked terms should function as adjectives, not nouns or verbs. It also advises avoiding plural and possessive forms of company, product or brand names. Prefer “WordPress software,” “WordPress site” or “WordPress themes” over wording that treats WordPress as a generic noun, verb, plural or possessive brand.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Quick decision guide
- Need an icon or word mark? Download the corresponding official file from WordPress.org’s Graphics & Logos page and follow the trademark policy.
- Describing compatibility or expertise? Use WordPress descriptively in ordinary copy, such as “support for WordPress sites.”
- Naming a company, product, service or project? Keep WordPress out of the identity unless you have written permission from the Foundation.
- Choosing a domain? Do not register WordPress or WordCamp in the main domain or top-level domain; use an independent name or “wp” variation instead.
- Buying advertising? Do not use the trademark in paid advertising, including AdSense or AdWords, without authorization.
- Publishing a plugin? Check the Plugin Directory naming and slug rules before submission, especially if the slug would start with “wordpress” or another project trademark.
- Editing copy? Treat the mark as an adjective and remove wording that implies ownership, endorsement or an official relationship.
What compliance looks like in practice
A compliant service page might say: “Acme Studio provides WordPress maintenance and accessibility consulting.” It can show an official WordPress logo where the page explains compatibility, provided the presentation does not make that logo appear to be Acme Studio’s own mark.
The same company should avoid a domain such as wordpressacme.com, a business name such as WordPress Acme Services, a paid-search headline built around the trademark, or a modified W symbol that visitors could mistake for an official logo. When a proposed use is central to the identity rather than merely descriptive, seek permission from the WordPress Foundation before publishing.
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