Other Site Policies Github Username Policy (GitHub)

GitHubUpdated 17 Oct 2025

This document outlines GitHub's policy regarding usernames, detailing how account names are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and providing guidance for users whose desired names are already taken. It also includes specific policies on trademark violations and prohibits name squatting, warning against reserving or inactively holding account names.

GitHub Username Policy

GitHub account names are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are intended for immediate and active use.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Keep in mind that not all activity on GitHub is publicly visible; accounts with no visible activity may be in active use.

If the username you want has already been claimed, consider other names or unique variations. Using a number, hyphen, or an alternative spelling might help you identify a desirable username that's still available.

Trademark Policy

If you believe someone's account is violating your trademark rights, you can find more information about making a trademark complaint on our Trademark Policy page.

Name Squatting Policy

GitHub prohibits account name squatting, and account names may not be reserved or inactively held for future use. Accounts violating this name squatting policy may be removed or renamed without notice. Attempts to sell, buy, or solicit other forms of payment in exchange for account names are prohibited and may result in permanent account suspension.

5.0 out of 5 on Google

Read reviews

As seen in

Law360
Artificial Lawyer
Insider
Axios Pro
San Francisco Business Times
Built In
Startups Magazine
Business Reporter
Tech.eu
Jurisdiction
Jurisdictions aren't set for this document
Document info
HTML document. Document created on Fri Sep 12th, 2025. Last updated on Fri Oct 17th, 2025.
This document is public
Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Attribution).
Come to agreements faster
Write, review, negotiate, and manage legal contracts
Related documents
FeaturedUS
Acceptable Use Policy by Mozilla
This policy defines prohibited activities for users of a company's digital services and products. It establishes clear boundaries against illegal acts, harassment, malware distribution, and intellectual property infringement while reserving the right to suspend users who violate these terms.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
California (US)
Github Open Source Applications Terms And Conditions (GitHub)
These terms govern the use of executable code for open source applications provided by a software company. They clarify that while source code is under separate open source licenses, the executable version is subject to these specific conditions, including trademark restrictions on logos and auto-update service limitations.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
US
Acceptable Use Policies Github Threats Of Violence And Gratuitously Violent Content (GitHub)
This policy prohibits users from using a platform to organize or promote acts of violence, including threats of physical harm, sexual violence, or death. It restricts the posting of graphic depictions of violence against humans or animals while providing exceptions for educational, documentary, or historical purposes provided clear warnings are included.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
US
Github Terms Github Terms For Additional Products And Features (GitHub)
This document establishes specialized terms for supplemental platform features including Actions, Copilot, and Codespaces. It integrates with a primary Terms of Service or Customer Agreement to define specific usage limits, billing methods, and intellectual property rights for each product.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
Acceptable Use Policies Github Appeal And Reinstatement (GitHub)
This policy establishes an internal process for users to request account reinstatement or appeal content moderation decisions. It allows users to submit additional information for up to six months after an enforcement action is taken.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
US
VPN Privacy Notice by Mozilla
This privacy notice explains how a VPN service handles user data, encryption, and third-party sharing. It details the collection of account info, approximate location via IP address, and limited billing details from providers like Stripe or Apple.
Updated 13 Aug 2026

Frequently asked questions

A template isn't binding on its own - like any contract, it becomes binding once it's properly completed and signed. Templates in our curated library are professionally drafted for US or UK law; review any template before you sign it.

Yes. Chat with GitLaw to edit any section, or make changes directly in the editor.

Yes, read about team plans here.

Describe what you need in the chat and GitLaw will draft it for you.

Templates in our curated library are professionally drafted for US or UK law. The wider library comes from the GitLaw community and public sources - a solid starting point, but check any template fits your situation before you rely on it.

Mostly US and UK law. Some templates use general commercial terms that work across jurisdictions, and many note which law they're written for.

It depends on the situation. Templates work well for routine business agreements. For anything involving significant money, complex IP, employment, or areas you're unsure about, it's worth getting professional advice before you sign. GitLaw provides templates and tools, not legal advice.

Open any template in GitLaw and describe the change you want in the chat — 'make clause 4 mutual' or 'add a 30-day notice period', for example. GitLaw drafts the revised language and shows it as a suggested edit. You accept, reject, or keep editing from there.

Yes. Upload a Word, PDF, or Markdown file and GitLaw will open it in the editor. You can review, edit, or chat with GitLaw about it the same way you would with any template from the library.

Trusted by 5,000+ businesses

Nexus logoMlabs logoTechstars logo

From template to signed, in one place

Every template opens in an editor with an AI agent alongside it.

1

Open

Pick a template and open it. Nothing to download, and no credit card to start.

Free to open

2

Edit with AI

Describe your situation in chat and the agent adapts the wording, clause by clause.

Tracked changes you can review

3

Send and sign

Share it for negotiation, then collect signatures without leaving GitLaw.

eSign included

Built for your legal work,
with practicing lawyers

Trained on 5,500+ clauses and specialist areas of law. Built with a standards committee of independent lawyers.

As seen in

Law360
Artificial Lawyer
Insider
Axios Pro
San Francisco Business Times
Built In
Startups Magazine
Business Reporter
Tech.eu

Ready to get started?

No sales calls, no credit card. Just chat with GitLaw.

GitLaw provides templates and tools, not legal advice. Templates are a starting point, not a substitute for advice on your situation - for anything significant, speak to a qualified lawyer.