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Steinberg VST usage guidelines

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Whenever VST® is used or the SDK has been used to create a product or the SDK is included (Open-source GPLv3 case), it is required to add the reference to Steinberg by using the VST compatible logo as supplied by Steinberg. Included in the VST 3 SDK, the VST compatible logo can be found in the folder VST_SDK/VST3_SDK/vst3_doc/artwork.

This logo exists in different forms: with and without the trademark text, black on white and white on black. If you choose the logo without the trademark text, you have to include the following statement somewhere:

"VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, registered in Europe and other countries."

Whenever “VST” is used, or the SDK is used to create a product, or when the SDK is included, it is required to add the reference to Steinberg by using the “VST Compatible logo” as supplied by Steinberg on each of the following:

  1. on package

  2. on website:
    The VST Compatible logo must be shown on every webpage that relates to such a product or shows VST. Using e.g. only within the imprint is NOT sufficient.

  3. all documentation, regardless of the media used, such as PDF manuals, website, printed manuals etc.

On each of the following the logo can be omitted only if not enough space is available. However, in such a case be sure to include Steinberg's copyrights notice:

  1. on all advertising materials

  2. in the "about box" or similar (e.g. help menu, startup screen) of the product.

It is allowed for all parties that have entered into the current Steinberg VST Plug-in SDK Licensing Agreement to use “VST” in regular letters to refer to compatibility as long as complying with the Agreement. This can be done on the package/website or even within the name of the product as long as the form of use is in line with the Agreement and the VST Compatible logo is always shown in the context of such. The following shall provide more guidance related to common forms of usage.

3. Use when claiming compatibility

It is allowed to use claims such as “compatible with 64-bit VST” if the VST Compatible logo is placed in context of such claim, e.g. not too far away on the same page, and the product uses or has been created using the SDK and is, in fact, compatible.

4. Use on website

It is not sufficient to include the VST Compatible logo only in the imprint or one other page. All pages that relate to a product using or created using the SDK or showing VST must show the VST Compatible logo.

5. Use on package

The VST Compatible logo must be printed on the package of any product using or created using the SDK or showing VST.

Provided that the VST Compatible logo is always displayed in the context of such a product name, “VST” may be added to the basic product name, e.g. like “mycoolEngine for VST”, if set in regular type and not graphically illustrated or integrated into the product name, and if the VST Compatible logo is always shown in direct context to such a product name. It is not allowed to merge the basic product name and VST in any graphical way into one integrated visual. E.g., it is allowed to use like this:

licensing_1

while it is unacceptable to use it like this:

licensing_2

7. Use in company name

It is not allowed to include VST in the company name.

8. Use in social media

It is allowed to use VST in channels and their names/URLs and the like, if a junction is used to denote the compatibility, e.g. in “MycoolEngineForVST”, and if the channels etc. always show the VST Compatible logo.

9. Use in domain

It is allowed to use VST in domains, e.g. second level domains, if a junction is used to denote the compatibility, e.g. in “MycoolEngineForVST.com”, and if any page under such domain shows the VST Compatible logo and the domain only shows products using or created using the SDK.

It is not permitted to include VST in a company logo but it is allowed to include VST in a product logo provided that is in conformity with No. 6 (Use in product name or logo).

11. Use in video

It is allowed to use “VST” in the title of a video or in a video, e.g. a tutorial, in a way as named above, e.g. as an addition to a product name or to show the compatibility, if the VST Compatible logo is shown in the video and, if VST is included in the title of the video, on any page that shows the video and/or the title. Provided that a frame of the video is shown as still (e.g. when presenting the video while not playing it) and such frame includes VST, the frame or the direct context of the video needs to show the VST Compatible logo.

12. Use in category

It is allowed to use VST in a category or in a related URL outside of the domain, e.g. in www.myreviews.com/VSTplugins/, if such category is of generic meaning, and if under such category only forms of use and/or products in line with the SDK agreement are listed.

13. Use in combination or composition

It is not allowed to create combinations or compositions like “VSTi” or similar.

The current VST Compatible logos are the following:

licensing_3 licensing_4

Minimum printing size = 20 x 18,7 mm

licensing_5 licensing_6

Minimum printing size = 15 x 10 mm

15. General guidelines for using VST trademark

On product documentation and promotional materials, use the registered trademark symbol (®) the first time the VST trademark appears in the text. Also include an attribution of Steinberg's ownership within the credit notice. Attribution:

"VST® is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, registered in Europe and other countries."

16. Questions and suggestions

Questions and suggestions regarding this guide can be sent to reception@steinberg.de