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I want to make a product that has a power cable with a USB-A plug on it.

There is no USB socket on the device, the cable just enters the device, similar to the HomePod mini.

The idea is to instruct users in the user manual and on the website to "use a USB-A power supply to power the device".

Would this violate trademarked use of the word "USB"? Since I am not claiming that the device itself is a USB device?

Does it count as "nominative fair use"?

The question is not a duplicate of this one, because my question specifically asks about referring to a USB charger by name in the context of a non-USB device that simply uses USB for power delivery.

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Konstantin Schubert
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    Does this answer your question? [Are USB protocol and connector free or are they patented?](https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/450494/are-usb-protocol-and-connector-free-or-are-they-patented) – crasic Feb 01 '22 at 17:49
  • @crasic No, because that question does talk about USB-devices, while my device is not a USB device, it merely uses a USB plug on its power cable. – Konstantin Schubert Feb 01 '22 at 19:35
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    Don't tell an end user to look for a USB-A port - it will just confuse them. Everyone knows them as just plain "USB" ports - it's obvious what shape fits in what hole. – J... Feb 01 '22 at 21:06

1 Answers1

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The word "USB" is not trademarked, you can use it any way you want.

The only USB-ish words trademarked are "USB Type-C", "USB-C" and "USB4".
There are also a number of USB logos that cannot be used without permission, and some other USB related names such as "SUPERSPEEDPLUS" etc.

You can see more details in the USB logo usage guidelines and find registered trademarks at Justia.

Snippet from USB logo guidelines

Also worth a note; the traditional "trident" logo is not trademarked and can be used without permission from USB IF.

Trident logo

Klas-Kenny
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