Use of Accreditation Mark
ACCREDITATION SERVICES MARKS & LOGOS
Accreditation services marks are used to signify that a firm has been certificated by a certifying body that is under the auspices of an additional quality assurance regime. Global Akkreditering Board (GAB) is responsible for one of them (see samples below).
Use and display of marks is covered by laws of copyright. It is therefore misleading to apply a logo that is not authorised for use. One will know if one is authorised to use a logo because their certifying body will display the permitted logos on their letterhead and the certificates they issue. As a general rule; if the certifying body does not display a logo, one is prohibited from using it.
GAB logo is the only mark which organizations are permitted to display via the GAB quality registration system. In addition, one may choose to display the logo of the certifying body that issued the certificate. These logos may be displayed separately or combined. Most firms however choose to combine both logos within one box.
Upon request, GAB allows accredited bodies to use the USAS accreditation symbol. Together with a unique registration number, this symbol is an indicator of a successful accreditation. The approved use of this symbol allows accredited bodies to highlight their competence which has been verified.
CERTIFICATES AND LOGOS Certificated organisations may apply the GAB logo and certificates only in respect of their areas assessed and registered, and to bring to the attention of customers, when reasonable and appropriate, any areas of business for which the accreditation services certification does not apply. Organisations shall notify their Certifying Body of any difficulty experienced with regard to the interpretation placed upon their certification by customers. Use of the GAB logo is allowed only following payment to GAB and for the duration of the period covered by the registration fees. Use of any other logo in respect of GAB is not authorised and is outside the scope of GAB jurisdiction.
