I Want to Report a Group That’s Violating Buy Nothing Copyright or Trademark

Overview

Protecting the Buy Nothing name and materials helps ensure that communities using them reflect the values of inclusion, safety, and pure gifting. Groups that use Buy Nothing branding without following community standards—or without permission—can create confusion and undermine trust.

How to Report a Group

Concerns about copyright or trademark misuse can be submitted through the official reporting process.

Report a Group Form:

https://forms.gle/RDYpwrZY6Xm9ktK1A

Submitting this form allows the details of the group to be reviewed by the Buy Nothing Project team.

Since its inception in 2013, Buy Nothing has focused on building local gift economies rooted in generosity, trust, and waste reduction. That trust depends on people knowing that a group using the Buy Nothing name reflects the same core principles.

Safeguarding the Buy Nothing name and materials helps ensure that:

  • Communities are not mistaken for buy/sell/trade or commercial spaces
  • Participants know they are joining a genuine Buy Nothing gift economy
  • Community standards around inclusion, safety, and pure gifting are upheld

What Happens After a Report Is Submitted

Reports are reviewed, and when appropriate:

  • Groups may be contacted and offered guidance on aligning with Buy Nothing standards
  • Groups that prefer to operate independently may be asked to rebrand

This approach has been used consistently for many years to support clarity and integrity across the movement.

Summary

Groups that misuse Buy Nothing branding or materials can be reported using the official Report a Group form. Protecting copyright and trademark use helps maintain trust, consistency, and the integrity of Buy Nothing communities worldwide.