You cannot use DeepSeek's name or logo to suggest that your product or service is endorsed by or affiliated with DeepSeek unless you have their written permission.
This analysis describes what DeepSeek's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision protects DeepSeek's brand identity and prevents downstream users from implying a commercial relationship or endorsement that does not exist, which has practical implications for how derivative products are marketed.
Developers and organizations building products on DeepSeek-R1 are prohibited from using DeepSeek's name, logo, or trademarks in promotional or marketing materials without written consent, meaning product branding and communications must be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance.
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"You will not use DeepSeek's name, logo, or trademarks to endorse or promote products or services derived from or using the Model without prior written consent of DeepSeek.— Excerpt from DeepSeek's DeepSeek Model License
1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision operates under trademark law and is standard in commercial and open-source licenses. The FTC's guidelines on endorsements and testimonials may also be relevant if consumer-facing marketing materials imply an affiliation with DeepSeek that does not exist. 2) GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Low for most organizations. The primary exposure arises in marketing and communications contexts where organizations building on DeepSeek-R1 might reference the underlying model in ways that could be construed as implying DeepSeek's endorsement of their specific product or service. 3) JURISDICTION FLAGS: Trademark law applies across jurisdictions, though the specific standards for infringement vary. In the EU and U.S., false endorsement claims can also implicate consumer protection regulations administered by the European Commission and FTC respectively. 4) CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Marketing and communications teams should be briefed on this restriction before launching any product built on DeepSeek-R1, and any press releases, product pages, or advertising that references DeepSeek should be reviewed for compliance. Vendor agreements with marketing agencies should include provisions ensuring this restriction is communicated and followed. 5) COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Organizations should establish a brand usage review process for any materials referencing DeepSeek-R1, and should obtain written consent from DeepSeek before using its name or logo in any promotional context. Documentation of consent obtained should be retained for compliance records.
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This provision protects DeepSeek's brand identity and prevents downstream users from implying a commercial relationship or endorsement that does not exist, which has practical implications for how derivative products are marketed.
Developers and organizations building products on DeepSeek-R1 are prohibited from using DeepSeek's name, logo, or trademarks in promotional or marketing materials without written consent, meaning product branding and communications must be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by DeepSeek.