Tweet this: Twitter has issued new guidelines for those who use the company’s name, trademark, and other intellectual property.

According to the guidelines, if another company wants to promote its Twitter page, it can do so only in an approved manner, using one of two formats: “Follow us on Twitter” or “Follow us on [approved Twitter logo].” Companies may not manipulate the logo unless necessary due to color restrictions (i.e., black and white), use the Twitter bird to carry a logo or messaging, create original click-through buttons or marks using the Twitter logo, or imply any kind of sponsorship, endorsement, or false association with Twitter.

The new guidelines allow users to use screenshots of their own Twitter profile and Tweets, but not screenshots of a third party’s Twitter page unless permission from that party has been obtained.

When using the Twitter marks in an ad campaign, the guidelines require that companies use the current Twitter logo or bird mark, and that if the term “Tweet” is used, it should include a direct reference to Twitter (“Tweet with Twitter” to enter a promotion, for example).

The guidelines also emphasize that the Twitter name, logo, Twitter “T,” Tweet, and the Twitter bird are all trademarks of the company, and that the “T” in both Twitter and Tweet must be capitalized.

Twitter will not allow the use of the Twitter name, logos, or Tweet marks on any apparel, product, or merchandise without permission. Exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis.

To read Twitter’s new guidelines on using its intellectual property, click here.Why it matters: Companies that use the Twitter mark in connection with their own products or plan to use it as part of a product promotion should familiarize themselves with the new guidelines.