Clarification on whether 'excel icon' can be used to show compatibility.

Question

I am working on application which deals with lots of data in table format. I was planning to give "Export to Excel" feature, using the Microsoft.Office.Interop.Excel DLL. Using the Excel icon to represent this feature seems like the best option because it's easier for users to understand, icons take up less screen space than text and using text does not suite my UI. However, I have doubts about whether trademark rules allow using the Excel icon without permission from Microsoft.

When I referred to the ‘Microsoft Trademark and Brand Guidelines’, I found contradictory conclusions. Firstly, it leads to the "partner-led marketing" guidelines where it is mentioned that icons can be used under terms of the Microsoft Developer Agreement, the Microsoft API License and Terms of Use, and the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. However, using the interop DLL doesn't require any of these licenses mentioned; it works as long as Microsoft Excel is installed.

Secondly, in the “Don’ts” section, it says that I cannot use Microsoft’s logos, icons, or designs in any manner.

Now, my question is: Do I need to acquire the “Microsoft Developer Agreement, the Microsoft API License and Terms of Use, and the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy” to use the DLL and the Excel icon? How can I obtain these licenses, or is there a procedure to get the necessary permission from Microsoft?

I have gone through following links but unable to find clarification on these doubts.

Links:

[1] Microsoft Trademark and Brand Guidelines - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/intellectualproperty/trademarks

[2] Partner-Led Marketing Guidelines - https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=v4j5cvGGr0GRqy180BHbR9SZm6iKPzNJvudw-PPFJydUNFZOMTJVWlVaOTRHQVQ5RENQMUEwWVdaMC4u&route=shorturl

[3] Configure a computer to develop Office solutions - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/vsto/how-to-configure-a-computer-to-develop-office-solutions?view=vs-2019

Answer 1

No, you do not need the Microsoft Developer Agreement or API License to use the Interop DLL—it's allowed as long as Excel is installed.

However, you do need explicit permission from Microsoft to use the Excel icon, as it’s protected under their trademark guidelines.

To request permission:

Visit the Microsoft Trademark Permission page.

Scroll down to “Requesting Permission” and click the form link.

Fill out the request form describing how you plan to use the Excel icon.

Alternatively, use a generic spreadsheet or export icon to avoid trademark issues.