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Legal Considerations

1️⃣ Base System Usage

  • You may use Ubuntu servers and mirrors to obtain packages.
  • Binary compatibility with Ubuntu is acceptable.
  • If your distribution grows, consider hosting your own repository or partial mirrors.
  • Always check the mirror’s usage policy before heavy redistribution.

Reference: Matt Zimmerman – Ubuntu Devel Mailing Lists (2006–2007)

2️⃣ Trademarks and Branding

  • Do not use the Ubuntu name or logos in your branding, ISO, or splash screens.
  • Avoid naming your derivative “Ubuntu Something” or “Lubuntu Remix”.
  • You may state: "MyDistro, based on Ubuntu" to give credit.

Actions:

  • Replace logos in packages (e.g., Ubiquity installer) with your own.
  • Replace GRUB splash and Plymouth themes for a custom boot experience.
  • Avoid Ubuntu-branded wallpapers in live CD ISO.

3️⃣ System Identification Files

Ubuntu uses several files to identify the system. For legal compliance:

File Recommendation
/etc/lsb-release Change DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION to your distro name; leave DISTRIB_ID=Ubuntu if necessary for compatibility.
/etc/os-release Update PRETTY_NAME and NAME to reflect your distribution.

This prevents automated tools from falsely attributing your derivative as official Ubuntu.

4️⃣ Default User Names

  • Ubuntu Live CD default user is "ubuntu".
  • Change it to a neutral name or your distro name (e.g., "coder", "user").
  • In modern Ubuntu releases, the live user name can be derived from .disk/info.

5️⃣ Package Names and Licenses

  • Package version strings like 1.4.4-0ubuntu1 do not require renaming.
  • Respect the licenses of all included software; most Ubuntu packages are under GPL, MIT, Apache, or similar permissive licenses.
  • If your derivative includes proprietary packages, ensure you comply with their licensing terms.

6️⃣ Logos Embedded in Packages

  • Many applications (installers, menus, etc.) include Ubuntu branding.

  • Options:

  • Replace logos with your own images.

  • Obtain explicit permission from Canonical (rarely granted for unofficial derivatives).

Example: Replace Ubiquity installer logo in usr/share/pixmaps/ or relevant Plymouth themes.

7️⃣ Plymouth & GRUB Splash Images

  • Plymouth theme controls boot animation; GRUB controls boot menu splash.

  • For legal compliance:

  • Remove Ubuntu-specific branding (--quiet splash in GRUB) for live boot.

  • Replace Plymouth themes with your own graphics.
  • Ensure branding is consistent with your derivative across live CD and installed system.

8️⃣ Contribution & Feedback

  • Ubuntu encourages derivatives to contribute bug fixes, translations, and patches back to upstream.

  • Examples:

  • Reporting critical bugs upstream.

  • Submitting patches for libraries, themes, or installer improvements.
  • Translating software into additional languages.

This ensures the ecosystem remains healthy and derivative distros are seen as cooperative.

9️⃣ Existing Ubuntu Derivatives

Some derivatives provide useful reference points:

  • Kubuntu – official flavor with KDE
  • Xubuntu – official flavor with XFCE
  • Edubuntu – education-focused flavor
  • Linux Mint – standalone derivative based on Ubuntu LTS

Study their branding choices, licensing compliance, and package management for guidance.