Instagram Says No To Apps That Use 'Insta' Or 'Gram' In Their Branding

Instagram has had a change of heart regarding the use of the two halves of its portmanteau name in the branding of connected apps. As reported by TechCrunch, Instagram has updated its trademark and brand guidelines to prohibit apps that use the word "Insta" or "Gram" in their names. Previously, this was not prohibited. The popular photo-sharing service's earlier guidelines actually specified that, while developers can't use the word "Instagram" or "IG" in app names, it's OK to use either "Insta" or "Gram" (but not both). Now, while developers are encouraged to append "for Instagram" to app names to indicate that their apps are integrated with Instagram, the use of "Insta" or "Gram" as well as "Instagram" or "IG" is altogether disallowed. Instagram explains:

Instagram developers may fairly and accurately indicate that their applications are compatible with Instagram, but may not use the Instagram trademarks in their own brand, or suggest that Instagram sponsors or endorses their product.

Let's see, off the top of the head, the affected apps include InstaPlace, InstaWeather, InstaFood, Gramatica, Webstagram, Statigram — a lot of Instagram-connected apps are affected. Of note is Luxogram, whose developer has received an email from Instagram advising that its branding be altered accordingly "within a reasonable period." But … "Luxogram’s creator says that he’s unlikely to make all of the changes that Instagram wants, and will probably shut it down for good," notes TechCrunch. "Others could be in the same boat."

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