We support and encourage people to use the Zentangle Method to create their own Zentangle Inspired Art. Below are answers to frequent questions on this topic.
- You are free to use our tangles (deconstructed patterns) in your creations.
(Example: You can tangle your T-shirt.)
- You can create your own Zentangle-inspired art, whether it's for personal use or for resale.
(Example: You can make copies of your tangled T-shirt and sell them.)
- You may claim copyright protection in your own work that you create using our tangles and our method.
(Example: You may copyright your T-shirt design.)
- If you want to let others know what inspired you, you can use the phrase, "Inspired by the Zentangle® Method of pattern drawing."
(Comment: This an informal "netiquette" courtesy to let others know about the Zentangle Method, artform and company and to give a "hat-tip" to your source. This does not mean that it's OK to create Zentangle branded products as long as you use that phrase; i.e. you may not call it a "Zentangle T-shirt" or put "Zentangle" or our logo on the T-shirt you are selling. More on that below under "Products")
- Please use the "®" after "Zentangle" in your first use of the word.
(Comment: This is a standard "good practice" and indicates that "Zentangle" is a registered trademark. This is a good habit to use when referring to any registered brand name.)
- If possible, please reference and link to our website. While not required, it's a courtesy and one that we always endeavor to follow whenever we write about something that has inspired us.
(Comment: This is not necessary, but we appreciate the hat-tip.)
- If appropriate, please include the following phrase in the description:
The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. "Zentangle" is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.
- Please do not use our name or logo in a manner that is likely to confuse consumers as to the origin of your art or product. It should be clear that your items are not created or licensed by Zentangle, Inc., but that they are your own designs which were inspired by Zentangle's Method.
(Comment: The easiest way to accomplish this is to not use our name or logo on what you create or, as part of the name or main description of what you create. In other words, an average person should not have a reason to think your creation is actually a Zentangle branded product.)
- If you have any questions, please ask.
Also, for items other than books or articles . . .
- Please do not use "Zentangle" as part of a product name without our written permission.
- Please do not use "Zentangle" in your description or labeling so that an average person would think your product is created or licensed by Zentangle without our written permission.
- Please do not use our trademarks on your product or, as part of your product, without our written permission.
- We continue to learn and revise these guidelines. If you have any questions, please ask.