Red Hat and IBM

In 2019, Red Hat® was acquired by IBM as part of the largest software deal in history. While Red Hat is now owned by IBM, we remain a wholly distinct entity with our own independent brand, culture, and industry partnerships. We remain true to our identity when we are thoughtful about how IBM and Red Hat appear together and separately. When we appear together on branded materials, we co-brand with IBM in the same way that we co-brand with all Red Hat partners.

Learn more about co-branding

View the IBM and Red Hat Experience Guide (IBM ID required)

How we appear with IBM

When considering co-branding, the most ideal option is to keep Red Hat neutral. Most of the time, the Red Hat and IBM brands should be used separately.

When we need to specifically discuss our partnership with IBM, we use co-branding. In some instances, like Red Hat Marketplace, both brands benefit in ways they wouldn’t otherwise through co-creation. These situations are rare and should be handled collaboratively by both brand teams.

The Red Hat logo.

Start with the Red Hat logo. Most of the time, Red Hat communications and projects should use the Red Hat logo alone.

The Red Hat logo and IBM logo divided by a line.

When our main goal is to communicate our partnership with IBM, co-branding is the best choice.

A logo that reads Red Hat Marketplace Operated by IBM.

Co-creation is handled by both brands when both can offer a distinct product or service that wouldn’t be possible alone.

Co-branding logo lockups

Use a co-brand logo lockup only when you are talking about the Red Hat and IBM partnership. Minimum clear space around the logos is the height of R in the word 'Red.' Clear space is the area around the logos that should be clear of other logos or distracting graphics.

From left to right: the Red Hat logo, a vertical line, and the IBM logo.

Standard Red Hat and IBM logo lockup, for Red Hat use only.

From left to right: the IBM logo, a vertical line, and the Red Hat logo.

Standard IBM and Red Hat logo lockup, for IBM use only.

Red Hat and IBM co-brand on a gray background.
Red Hat and IBM co-brand on a white background.
One-color white Red Hat and IBM co-brand on a red background.
One-color black Red Hat and IBM co-brand on a gray background.

Red Hat and IBM co-brand logos are produced in standard and reverse full color versions, as well as in one-color versions in white and black.

Learn more about co-branding

Download Red Hat and IBM co-brand lockups

Applying Red Hat and IBM co-branding

Co-branding should be used in specific instances when the Red Hat and IBM partnership has an equal focus. If the focus is on our partnership, we co-brand in applications like presentation templates, video outros, and event spaces.

Red Hat and IBM co-branded presentation template.

Presentations

Red Hat presentations that talk about our IBM partnership should use the co-brand version of our corporate presentation template, and they should follow all standard Red Hat presentation template guidelines.

Red Hat and IBM co-branded video outro animation stills.

Video outros

In the outro sequences for partnership-related videos that are hosted on Red Hat channels, we use an animated version of the co-brand logo in which the Red Hat logo leads.

Poster at an IBM booth with IBM branding and a “Built on Red Hat” endorsement logo.

IBM event booths

In an IBM event booth, use the Red Hat logo to represent Red Hat products and technologies.

Red Hat-branded event booth.

Red Hat event booths

Red Hat-sponsored booths use Red Hat branding and event guidance.

An illustration of a t-shirt

What about co-branding swag?

Do not create joint Red Hat and IBM swag for use internally or externally, including at events. At joint events, offer Red Hat swag. Consider offering two separately-branded pieces of related swag instead, like a Red Hat-branded pen with an IBM-branded notebook.

Red Hat and IBM employees can purchase Red Hat swag from the Cool Stuff Store and IBM swag from the IBM Merchandise store.

Do not alter the Red Hat or IBM logo. Use the corporate, endorsement, or co-brand logo lockup that is appropriate to the specific situation. Both organizations must approve new co-brand ideas.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not combine our logos to create a new image.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not replace Red Hat colors and fonts with IBM colors and fonts.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not place the logos in bounding shapes or containers.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not create custom logo lockups.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not create vertical or stacked co-brand logo lockups.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not apply other colors or gradients to the co-brand logo lockup.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not create gradients to signify red and blue coming together.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not use the Red Hat fedora alone in a co-brand logo lockup.

Red X saying do not do this

Do not create custom lockups using subbrands or product logos.