Trademarks and copyright policy

Trademarks and copyright policy

GRI™ values your help in spreading the word about sustainability reporting by referencing GRI and GRI’s materials. GRI’s Trademark and Copyright Policy ensures neutrality and consistency in all communications about GRI.

GRI™ trademarks and copyrighted materials including the GRI logo can be used only after obtaining prior written permission from GRI.

To request permission or enquire about the proper usage of GRI brand assets, trademarks and copyrighted materials please fill out the following Permission Request Form and return it to [email protected]. Applications must clearly indicate the exact place and context in which items will be used.

GRI’s trademarks and copyrighted materials include, but are not limited to, the GRI Standards (in English and its translations in other languages), Sector Guidance, GRI Learning Publications, GRI’s organizational logo, and other marks. These are all subject to the terms and conditions below. By referring to GRI’s trademarks and/or GRI products and services or downloading material from the GRI website, you agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this Trademarks and Copyright Policy.

Within the context of sustainability reporting, GRI is the trade name of the Stichting Global Reporting Initiative. The GRI Standards, the GRI logo, and organizational marks (Community member, (Online) Training Partner, Software & Tools Partner, (Online) Content approved, Content used with permission, Licensed content, Content Index Service, Materiality Disclosures Service, SDG Mapping Service, and Management Approach Disclosures Service) are the sole property of the Stichting Global Reporting Initiative. All rights are reserved. GRI will not authorize the use of these assets by any organization in its internet domain names, website names, names of services, products, trademarks, documents, publications, marketing materials, advertisements, letterheads, and other promotional materials. Such use is misleading as it may suggest to third parties that the communication represents GRI, has been approved by or belongs to GRI, or that the organization issuing it is authorized to act on GRI’s behalf.

The Certified Software and Tools Program provides approval through the certification of those software and tools that produce GRI’s copyright-protected content.

Use of GRI logo and materials

Please note that the use of GRI’s logo by third parties without prior written permission from GRI is prohibited. When using the GRI logo or materials, it should be clear from the context in which the GRI assets are placed that GRI does not certify or verify an organization’s products, services or reports. The GRI logo can only be used without prior permission from GRI if it is located in the section of the sustainability report where the organization mentions different frameworks available for reporting. In such case, GRI’s logo can be listed next to other reporting frameworks (e.g. UNGC, CDP, SASB, etc.).

GRI strongly encourages the use of the following statement when using the GRI logo or materials, or the term “GRI”.  

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the independent international organization – headquartered in Amsterdam with regional offices around the world – that helps businesses, governments and other organizations understand and communicate their sustainability impacts.

Terms and conditions

The abovementioned written Permission to use the GRI logo or materials will only be granted by GRI if - at least - the following terms and conditions are complied with. GRI reserves the right to withhold such permission even if these terms and conditions are met.

• The name, logos, and marks of GRI should not be used in a manner that indicates an alignment or "stamp of approval" for a company’s services or expertise in relation to GRI sustainability reporting products. GRI is not an auditor, assessor, certifier, or verifier of sustainability reports, and it should be made clear from the context in which the GRI assets are placed, that GRI does not certify or verify an organization’s products, services, or reports.
• GRI does not endorse any particular company that offers consultancy, training (with the exception of Certified Training Partners and Certified Software and Tools Partners), software, assurance, or similar services. The GRI logo and marks should not be used in a manner that indicates an alignment or "stamp of approval" for a company’s services or expertise in relation to GRI sustainability reporting products.

GRI reserves the right to take appropriate action when its trademarks and/or copyrighted materials are used without its permission or if they have been adapted, modified, or otherwise used inappropriately. Appropriate action by GRI may include, but is not limited to, the revocation of the right to use the trademarks and/or copyrighted materials as well as any links bearing them, in which event these items need to be removed within two business days of notice of revocation.

The logos and marks must be used as provided by GRI - no changes are permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, changes in the color, proportion, or design of the logo/mark, or removal of any words, artwork, or trademark symbols. In addition, GRI logos and marks may not be animated, morphed, or otherwise distorted in perspective or appearance.

It is prohibited to transfer, assign, sell, reproduce, distribute, or otherwise exploit the GRI name, trademarks, and copyrighted materials, or any association with GRI.

Any use of GRI’s trademarks and copyrighted materials outside of these principles is strictly prohibited. Violation of copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights may incur civil and/or criminal penalties.

GRI reserves the right to make any change to the information and/or the conditions listed in this policy for granting permission, at any time and for any reason. You acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for awareness of any such changes.

Translations of GRI Copyright-Protected materials

The GRI Standards are the intellectual property of Stichting Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and they are published in English and a number of authorized translations. Unauthorized translations of the GRI Standards are in violation of GRI’s copyright and may incur civil and/or criminal penalties. For more information, please contact [email protected]