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.

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

GRI’s trademarks and copyrighted material are subject to the terms and conditions below. By referring to GRI’s trademarks and/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 Global Reporting Initiative. The GRI logo, conference logos, and organizational marks are the sole property of the Stichting Global Reporting Initiative: GRI Community, Community Leader, Certified Training Partner, Certified Content, Content Index, Materiality Disclosures, Certified Software & Tools, and GRI Content included. All rights are reserved. GRI will not authorize the use of these trademarks 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.


Translations of GRI Copyright-Protected materials


All GRI copyright-protected materials are initially developed and written in English, and this remains the authoritative version. However, in order to make them available to the maximum amount of people, GRI relies on sponsorship to fund the translation of its core documents. If you are interested in sponsoring a translation of any of GRI copyright-protected materials, please email [email protected].

Please note that GRI only works with professional (paid) translators and layout designers. For detailed information, see GRI´s ‘Policy and Procedures on Translations’.

Terms and conditions

​​If permission is granted, it is subject to the following terms and conditions:

GRI is not an auditor, assessor, certifier, or verifier of sustainability reports. GRI’s name, logos and marks should therefore 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 does not endorse any particular company that offers consultancy, training (with the exception of Certified Training 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 - changes are not 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 GRI’s 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 herein for granting permission, at any time and for any reason. You acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for awareness of any such changes.

Use of GRI™ trademarks

GRI encourages the use of the following statement when using the GRI trademarks or the term “GRI”. However, please note that the use of GRI’s institutional logo by third parties without prior written permission from GRI is prohibited.

GRI is an independent international organization that has pioneered sustainability reporting since 1997. GRI helps businesses and governments worldwide understand and communicate their impact on critical sustainability issues such as climate change, human rights, governance and social well-being. This enables real action to create social, environmental and economic benefits for everyone. The GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards are developed with true multi-stakeholder contributions and rooted in the public interest.

Further questions? Send an email to [email protected] .