Use of Marks and Logos Policy

This Policy governs the use of the TNV Global Limited certification mark, the United Accreditation Foundation (UAF) accreditation mark, the International Accreditation Forum Global Accreditation Cooperation (IAF GAC) mark, and the ISO standard reference, by clients who hold a valid TNV Global accredited certificate. It is published in conformance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Clause 8.3 (Reference to certification and use of marks) and UAF / IAF mark-use requirements.

Misuse of certification marks may result in suspension or withdrawal of certification under our Suspension, Withdrawal, and Restoration Procedure. This Policy is binding on all clients holding a TNV Global certificate. Pre-clearance for unusual or novel uses is encouraged.

1. Marks Covered by This Policy

Three distinct marks are relevant to a TNV Global accredited certification:

Important: The ISO logo (the round “ISO” mark) belongs to the International Organization for Standardization and is NOT licensed to certified organisations. Certified clients may reference the ISO standard number (e.g., “ISO 42001:2023”) in text but may NOT use the official ISO logo. The TNV Global mark and the UAF mark are the marks clients may use under this Policy.

2. Who May Use the Marks

Only organisations that hold a currently valid TNV Global accredited certificate may use the relevant marks. Mark usage:

• Is permitted only during the active validity period of the certificate
• Is permitted only within the certified scope (specific activities, products, services, and sites)
• Is conditional on continued compliance with the certification contract and this Policy
• Must cease immediately on suspension, withdrawal, expiry, or voluntary surrender

3. Permitted Uses

Subject to the visual standards in Section 5 and the prohibitions in Section 4, certified clients may use the TNV Global mark and UAF mark on:

• 3.1 Letterheads and stationery: Business letters, invoices, quotations, business cards — provided the mark refers to the certified scope and the organisation is the holder.
• 3.2 Website: On the corporate website, particularly the home page, About Us page, certifications or accreditations page. Must be accompanied by the certification scope or a link to the verification page.
• 3.3 Email signatures: Where the mark is in proportion and the certified scope is clear.
• 3.4 Marketing materials: Brochures, advertisements, presentations, tender submissions, exhibition materials — relating to the certified activities.
• 3.5 Social media: Corporate social media profiles and posts — provided the mark and scope are not misleading.
• 3.6 Vehicles, signage, premises: Corporate vehicles and external signage at certified sites — where the mark refers to the certified organisation and scope.
• 3.7 Reports and proposals: Annual reports, sustainability reports, customer proposals — to evidence certified management system.

4. Prohibited Uses

The TNV Global mark, UAF mark, and IAF (GAC) mark MUST NOT be used:

• 4.1 On products themselves: The marks are evidence of management system certification (process), NOT product certification. Marks must not appear on individual products, product packaging, product labels, or product test certificates in a way that suggests product certification.
• 4.2 In a misleading way: Where they could create the false impression that products, services, processes, or persons are certified beyond what is in scope; or that certification is more extensive than the actual scope of the certificate; or that other related entities are also certified.
• 4.3 By non-certified entities: Parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, suppliers, or any other entity not named on the certificate may not use the marks. Group claims of certification are only permitted where each entity is separately certified or where multi-site certification has been issued by TNV Global to cover the group.
• 4.4 On audit reports of internal audits: The marks are for the certified organisation’s external-facing materials. Internal audit reports and other internal management documents should not bear the marks in a way that suggests external accreditation of those documents.
• 4.5 In a way that disparages TNV Global, UAF, or IAF: Including any context that brings the marks into disrepute.
• 4.6 As a replacement for ISO logo: Where the ISO standard requires a specific marking, the TNV Global mark is not a substitute.
• 4.7 During suspension or after withdrawal: Marks must be removed from all materials promptly (typically within 30 days of withdrawal; immediately on suspension for new materials).
• 4.8 In modified form: The marks may not be altered in colour, proportions, layout, or content. Cropping, recolouring, or adding elements is not permitted.
• 4.9 On test reports or calibration certificates: These are governed by ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, which is a different scheme.
• 4.10 In tender or contract documents to imply scope beyond certificate: The certified scope must be clearly stated and must not be expanded by implication.

5. Visual Standards

Marks must be reproduced in accordance with the visual standards provided in the TNV Global Mark Style Guide (available on certificate issuance). Key requirements:

• 5.1 Colour: Original colours preferred. Single-colour reproduction (black or PMS equivalent) is permitted where colour reproduction is not practical. Reversed-out (white) versions on dark backgrounds are permitted using the supplied master.
• 5.2 Proportions: Aspect ratio of each mark must be preserved. Width may be scaled but height must scale proportionally.
• 5.3 Minimum size: The TNV Global mark may not be reproduced smaller than 15mm wide (print) or 60px wide (digital) to maintain legibility.
• 5.4 Clear space: A minimum clear space equal to the height of the letter “T” in “TNV” must surround the mark on all sides, free of text or other graphics.
• 5.5 Accompanying information: The certificate number and standard reference (e.g., “ISO 42001:2023”) should appear adjacent to the mark or in the legible accompanying text. The scope statement or a link to the verification page (https://tnvglobal.com/verify-certificate) should be available.
• 5.6 UAF and IAF marks: These accompany the TNV Global mark. The UAF mark must include the accreditation number 72602222104. The IAF (GAC) mark must include the appropriate recognition reference.

6. Wording Conventions

When referring to certification in text, use the following preferred wording:

• ✓ Correct: “[Organisation Name] is certified to ISO 42001:2023 by TNV Global Limited, a UAF Accredited Certification Body. Certificate No. [number]. Scope: [scope]. Verify at https://tnvglobal.com/verify-certificate.”
• ✓ Correct: “ISO 42001:2023 certified — Artificial Intelligence Management System.”
• ✗ Incorrect: “ISO certified” (too vague — must reference specific standard).
• ✗ Incorrect: “TNV Global certified product” (TNV Global certifies management systems, not products).
• ✗ Incorrect: “Approved by ISO” (ISO does not approve or certify — it publishes standards).
• ✗ Incorrect: “Accredited by IAF” (IAF recognises accreditation bodies, not certified organisations).

7. Multi-Site and Group Certification

Where TNV Global has issued a multi-site or group certificate:

• Each named site or entity within scope may use the marks
• Sites or entities not named in the scope may NOT use the marks, even if part of the same corporate group
• The certificate must clearly identify all in-scope sites/entities
• Sampling rules under IAF MD 1 govern which sites must be audited

8. Co-Branding and Joint Statements

Where a client wishes to use TNV Global marks in joint marketing or partnership materials (e.g., joint case studies, joint webinars, co-authored white papers):

• Prior written consent from TNV Global is required
• The mark must continue to refer to the certified organisation, not to the partner
• The partner must not appear to be certified unless they hold their own TNV Global certificate
• TNV Global may decline co-branding where it could compromise impartiality

9. Surveillance of Mark Usage

During surveillance and recertification audits, TNV Global auditors will:

• Review the client’s website, marketing materials, and business documentation for compliance with this Policy
• Identify any non-conformity (incorrect scope, lapsed marks, prohibited use)
• Raise audit findings where misuse is identified
• Refer serious or repeated misuse to the Certification Decision Maker for consideration of suspension

10. Reporting Suspected Misuse

Anyone who suspects misuse of TNV Global, UAF, or IAF marks (by a current client, former client, or unauthorised third party) may report this:

• Email: admin@tnvglobal.com (subject: “Mark Misuse Report”)
• Reports may be made anonymously or with attribution
• Reports are investigated within 14 business days
• Where misuse is confirmed, corrective action ranging from written warning to suspension/withdrawal is taken

11. Removal of Marks on Cessation

On suspension, withdrawal, expiry, or voluntary surrender, the client must:

• Cease producing new materials bearing the marks immediately
• Update website and digital materials within 30 calendar days
• Replace or correct existing printed stationery, marketing materials, and signage within a reasonable period (typically 90 calendar days, depending on volume)
• Confirm completion of mark removal in writing to TNV Global
• Return the original certificate document(s) or confirm destruction

Legacy references to past certification (e.g., in historical case studies) may remain provided they are clearly framed as historical, dated, and not implying current certification.

12. Sanctions for Misuse

Misuse of certification marks may result in:

• Written warning and required correction within a specified period
• Special audit at the client’s cost
• Suspension of certification
• Withdrawal of certification for serious or repeated misuse
• Public notification on global-aci.org of corrected certification status
• Notification to UAF where systemic misuse is identified
• Legal action where misuse breaches trademark rights or causes material harm

13. Mark Style Guide

A comprehensive Mark Style Guide — including approved logo files (JPG, PNG, SVG, EPS), colour specifications (PMS, CMYK, RGB, HEX), proportional templates, and example layouts — is provided to clients upon certificate issuance. Updated versions are issued when the marks are refreshed.

Approved logo files must be obtained from TNV Global directly. Marks obtained from internet searches or recreated by clients are not permitted.

14. Contact

Mark usage queries, requests for clearance, or misuse reports:

• Email: admin@tnvglobal.com (subject: “Mark Usage Query” / “Mark Pre-Clearance” / “Mark Misuse Report”)
• UK: +44 7877 901727 | India: +91 98380 70227