HDMI Licensing Updates Trademark and Logo Usage

HDMI Licensing, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification, has released an updated version of its trademark and logo usage guidelines. The new guidelines relate to the use of the HDMI trademark and logo placement on HDMI-compliant products and related packaging as well as Web and marketing materials. The most notable changes in the guidelines are significant restrictions on the use of version numbers.

Adopters will no longer be allowed to use HDMI specification version numbers in the labeling, packaging or promotion of their HDMI-compliant products. In the case of cable products, these restrictions are effective immediately. Non-cable products must comply with the new restrictions by January 1, 2012. These new requirements are designed to simplify the product selection process for consumers, enabling them to purchase an appropriate product based on features.

All HDMI cable products must be marketed and labeled as one of five types:

1. Standard HDMI Cable
2. Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet
3. Standard Automotive HDMI Cable
4. High Speed HDMI Cable
5. High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet