Anyone can employ Tux to promote a Linux-related product, and there are no licensing fees or any need to get official approval from someone to use the penguin. Wired News delivered to your inbox or hand-held device. I was amazed to find out that anyone with a Linux-related product or project has the right to use the penguin. Normally, teams of always-angry lawyers fiercely protect logos. And when I discovered you could alter the penguin however you choose, I was flabbergasted.
Logos are sacred, untouchable icons in corporate culture.
But allowing people to add, alter and tinker with Tux has turned the portly penguin into a widely recognized logo, minus the usually high development costs that are invested into corporate design. Release your creation to the community, let them do with it as they see fit, and you'll end up with something wonderful. Tux is not the product of an advertising agency, and no money was invested into his development. Artist Larry Ewing first drew him in 1996 when developers began to feel that one of the things that Linux really needed was a logo. Penguinitis makes you stay awake at nights just thinking about penguins and feeling great love towards them.