Promotional Logo Use

The FSC logo can be used off-product for promotional or educational purposes, both by certified companies, and by approved non-certified companies.

• What is the FSC Trademark?
• Who can use the FSC Trademark and logo?
• Off-product logo use by CERTIFIED companies
• Off-product logo use by NON-CERTIFIED companies
• Logo Use
• Graphical Requirements  
• FSC Trademark Misuse
• List of FSC Promotional Trademark Use: Users
• Documents -Standards, Guidance & Discussion, Factsheets

NEW - A draft of the standard for the promotional use of FSC trademarks (FSC-STD-50-002-TMK) by organizations and companies that are not required to be certified, has been produced. Please send any suggestions or comments on the draft standard to the FSC Canada, E: info@fsccanada.org by July 26, 2010.

New FSC Trademark Requirements for Certificate Holders

(FSC-STD-50-001) 'Requirements for use of the FSC trademarks by Certificate Holder' that will take effect March 1, 2010.

What is the FSC Trademark?

The FSC check-tree logo, the 'FSC' initials and the FSC name 'Forest Stewardship Council' are trademarks of FSC, and are protected by copyright.

FSC TRADEMARKS FSC logo: This refers to the 'check-tree', the initials 'FSC' and the copyright symbol. FSC Forest Stewardship Council

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Who can use the FSC Trademark or logo? (back to top)

FSC-Certified Companies

The FSC Trademark may only be used by FSC-certified companies, those that have been independently audited to meet FSC's Forest Management or Chain of Custody Standards, to promote themselves as an FSC-certified company, or to promote their products as FSC-certified.  All FSC-certified companies receive a unique, identifying certification code (e.g. XXX-COC-######).  

This type of FSC logo use is NOT the same as putting the FSC logo on a product to identify it as FSC-certified (See 'FSC On-product logo use')

Certified companies must receive approval for ALL on-product and off-product logo usage from their certifier by sending them. 

1. Evidence to support use of FSC trademark (i.e. invoices, shipping documents etc.)
2. All promotional uses (not necessary if applicant can demonstrate knowledge of trademark use requirements)

Click here for more information about 'Off-product logo use by Certified companies'

Non-Certified Companies (back to top)

The FSC check tree logo can be used by non-certified companies or individuals for educational and promotional purposes.

Non-certified companies cannot place the FSC label on a product. Only companies that are FSC chain of custody certified are allowed to place the FSC label on a certified product. Click here for 'Who needs Chain of Custody Certification' 

Non-certified companies may only use the FSC Trademark if they have received prior permission from FSC to do so. If you would like to use the FSC logo for off-product or promotional purposes and fulfill the requirments below, fill out FSC Canada Trademark Application Form & Submit Application Materials.

Requirements for Non-Certified Companies: (back to top)

Promotion of finished FSC-certified products (packed/labeled) by non-certified commercial organizations is only allowed if: The products are to be sold only to final consumers The products have been sourced from and invoiced by an FSC-certified company in compliance with the FSC chain of custody requirements for invoicing The products are covered by the scope of a chain of custody certificate The products are not to be transformed/altered, repacked or relabeled The correct FSC on-product label (FSC Mixed Sources, FSC Recycled, FSC 100%) must be used to identify the product, including the suppliers certification code. The FSC label must be clearly linked to a specific product Promotion of FSC by the media, educational institutions, associations etc.

Download Click here for more information about 'Off-product logo use by Non-Certified Companies'

Logo Use (back to top)

If you would like to use the FSC logo for off-product or promotional purposes and fulfill the requirments above, follow these steps:

1. Fill out FSC Canada Trademark Application Form & Submit Application Materials. FSC Canada must be provided with:

• Why and how you will be using the FSC trademark. 
• Samples/proofs of all promotional uses 
• If promoting an FSC-certified product:
  • Invoices, shipping documents etc.
  • Letter of approval from FSC-certified supplier authorizing use of certificate number.
  • Certification code of supplier (XXX-COC-######)

2. Once your intended use has been approved, FSC Canada will provide the logo graphics that can be used.

3. Submit example of FSC Promotional Trademark Use to FSC Canada (info@fsccanada.org) for approval.

NOTE: Non-certified companies must receive approval for ALL off-product logo usage from FSC Canada or their respective national office. 
 

FSC Application Form: Use of Promotional Logo

FSC Trademark Misuse (back to top)

It is vital to correct misuses of the FSC trademarks. Even misuse that is unintentional and may be meant to support FSC is important to address and correct. Anyone can report a suspected trademark or label misuse to FSC Canada, info@fsccanada.org

Documents: Standards, Guidelines, Fact Sheets (back to top)

Trademark Standards

Guidance and Discussion Notes

Fact Sheets

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