Fair Use Policy

This policy covers Bike Archive, the reference database operated by Hank Bicycle Company, LLC.

Nominative fair use

Bike Archive references bicycle manufacturer names, model names, and brand names throughout the site strictly to identify the products being cataloged — for example, referring to a "Trek Fuel EX" or a "Shimano XT" component so that the entry can be found and understood. This is a textbook case of nominative fair use: using a trademark to refer to the actual trademarked product, not to imply sponsorship or endorsement.

No affiliation is implied

Bike Archive is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by any bicycle manufacturer or brand featured on the site. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.

Manufacturer logos

Where manufacturer logos appear (for example, on manufacturer index pages), they are used solely to identify the manufacturer being referenced, in the same nominative spirit as using the brand name in text. We use no more of the mark than necessary for identification, and don't alter or stylize logos in a way that suggests endorsement.

Specifications are facts, not creative works

Torque values, geometry measurements, and similar specifications are factual data. Facts themselves aren't copyrightable, though the specific expression of them (e.g. an original manual's exact wording or layout) can be. Bike Archive extracts and re-presents the underlying factual specifications in its own format rather than reproducing manufacturer documents verbatim.

Rights holder concerns

If you're a rights holder and believe something on the site goes beyond fair use, or you'd like an entry removed or corrected, see our Notice and Takedown page for how to reach us.