These Terms and Conditions for Marketing and Branding ("Terms") govern the authorized use of the Gold Standard Foundation ("GSF," "we," "us," "our") brand, trademarks, logo, hyperlinks, content, web pages, screenshots, or any other distinctive features ("Brands") by third parties ("User" or "you").

These Terms outline the requirements and conditions for using our Brands, which can be downloaded from Gold Standard Brand Manual. The use of GSF’s Brands represents the identity of our organisation, and as such, we maintain strict control over their use by all Users.

By accepting and signing these Terms, you agree to comply with them. If you do not accept these Terms, you are not authorised to use the Brands and should refrain from doing so. Any use of the Brands that does not comply with these Terms is considered unauthorised. In the event of a breach, you must immediately cease using the Brands, regardless of any prior permissions granted. GSF reserves the right to revoke its approval for your use of the Brands at any time, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

As our branding needs evolve, GSF may modify, update, or terminate these Terms at any time without prior notice. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with any updated Terms. We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed of any change

GSF grants you a limited, royalty-free, worldwide, non-exclusive, and non-transferable license to use the Brands solely for the specified Purpose(s)as set forth in these Terms. This license is not transferable, sublicensable, or assignable and you may not delegate any of your rights or obligations under these Terms without GSF's prior written consent.

GSF encourages the use of its Brands when linking to or accurately referring to its projects, activities and/or events. You may use one of the following logos for these purposes, based on the scope of you use:

• GS4GG logo (for project developer): this logo may be used specifically for the promotion of any GSF design-certified projects. It’s exclusively for projects that meet GSF’s certification standards.
• GS logo (for partners): this logo may be used within the scope of permitted use, such as activities, events, or general partnership references. It is intended for use by partners in connection with GSF approved initiatives.

2.1. Brands Usage. The use of GSF Brands is permitted only with prior written authorisation from GSF. The User may only use such Brands in accordance with the restrictions and limitations set forth in these Terms.

The Brands must be used in their original form in accordance with the guidelines provided in the Brand Manual without alteration, distortion, or modification.

Any reference to GSF, or use of the GSF Brands especially logo and trademarks in a publication, website or promotional item will need to be accompanied by a registration mark ® and copyright symbol ©.

Upon written request from GSF, you must submit a copy of all materials that feature the GSF Brands. This includes, but is not limited to, advertisements, promotional content, product packaging, banner, signage, digital media, websites, social media posts, URLs and any other materials where the GSF Brands’ name, logo, trademark or other brand assets are displayed.

For offline materials, you must provide:

• photographs or scanned copies of banners, posters, or signage displayed at events, trade shows, or other physical locations;
• sample or photographs of products packaging (packets, boxes, or labels) featuring the GSF Brands

For online materials, you must provide:

• URLs to any web-based content featuring the GSF Brands;
• screenshots of digital content, including website pages, social media posts and online ads.

Submission of these materials should be made within 10 days of the request and in a format specified by GSF at [email protected].

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2.2. Brand Representation. All uses of the GSF Brands must align with GSF values and may not imply endorsement, partnership, or affiliation without written permission.

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2.3. Guideline Compliance. Users must follow the specific guidelines provided by GSF. Unauthorised or improper usage may result in the immediate revocation of permissions.

3.1. Authorised Hyperlinks. You may include hyperlinks to GSF’s official website in their materials, subject to the following conditions:

• links should direct users to the homepage or relevant pages on the GSF website, such as specific publications or informational resources;
• the linked page should provide relevant and current information related to the context in which the hyperlink is placed.

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3.2. Prohibited impressions. Hyperlinks should not be embedded in a manner that suggests endorsement, affiliation or sponsorship unless explicitly permitted in writing by an authorised representative of GSF.

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3.3. Link Maintenance. GSF reserves the right to request removal, modification or relocation of hyperlinks at any time to maintain the integrity of its online presence and prevent outdated or incorrect references.

4.1. Sharing Content. You may share content from GSF’s publications and multimedia products, provided they clearly cite GSF as the source and include a link back to www.goldstandard.org.

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4.2. Attribution and Linkback. All shared content must clearly attribute GSF as the source, accompanied by a hyperlink back to GSF’s website.

Appropriate examples of citations include:

"Source: GSF, www.goldstandard.org"

"Content shared with permission from GSF"

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4.3. Prohibited Alterations. You may not modify, edit or alter GSF content in any way without prior written consent from an authorized GSF representative.

5.1. Commercial use. Use of GSF’s Brands, including logos and trademarks, for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without written approval from GSF.

Brands are distinctive, designed pieces of graphic artwork. The following usage guidelines must be followed:

• do not modify, alter, or change the scale, skew, or rotation of any Brands;
• do not alter the design, colours, or transparency (logos should be 100% opaque) of any Brands;
• Brands must not be scaled smaller than 1 inch in height;
• avoid combining any GSF Brands with other designs, trademarks, graphics, text, or elements, including names, generic terms, or additional branding;
• ensure that no other design, graphic, text, or element is closer to a GSF Brands than the height of the tallest letter in the Brands (e.g., the letter “G” in GSF);
• imitation or unauthorised representation of GSF Brands identity is strictly prohibited.

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5.2. Prohibited use. The User shall not use, register or seek to register any trademark, trade name, company name, domain name, GSF’s name or group or other identification means in social media sites (e.g. Facebook, Linkedin, X, Instagram), which is identical to or similar to any of GSF Brands whether during or after the term of the agreement, in any country throughout the world.

The User shall have no authority to act in the name of, or on behalf of, or enter into any agreement or other commitment on behalf of GSF or its licensors or give any condition or warranty or make any representation on GSF or its licensor’s behalf.

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5.3. Misrepresentation. Any use of GSF Brands that implies partnership, endorsement, or approval by GSF without prior written consent is strictly prohibited.

Brands may not be used in any manner that could cause confusion or mischaracterise the relationship between you and GSF, including:

• suggesting affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by GSF where none exists;
• discrediting, tarnishing, or impairing GSF’s reputation or goodwill;
• infringing, diluting, or depreciating the value or rights of GSF in the Brands;
• associating with any pornography, illegal activities, defamatory, libelous, obscene, or objectionable content;
• violating any laws, regulations, public policy, or intellectual property rights of others;
• using for any purpose contrary to our mission and values.
• using GSF Brands as part of a product or service name that is not affiliated with GSF.

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5.4. No unauthorised disclosure. Sharing GSF’s downloadable materials outside of your organisation is prohibited. Instead, direct third parties to the GSF website, where they can read and agree to the Terms before accessing the Brand manual.

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5.5. Violation of Guidelines. Unauthorised or inappropriate use of GSF’s Brands may result in immediate termination of usage rights, penalties, and potential legal action. Penalties may include, but are not limited to, financial fines, claims for damages, or other remedies as determined by GSF. Legal action may be pursued for breach of contract, trademark infringement, or other applicable laws.

6.1. Ownership of Brand Assets. The GSF Brands are the sole exclusive property of GSF, including all associated intellectual property rights, which may be used by the User.

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6.2. Acknowledgments of rights. You acknowledge that GSF solely and exclusively owns all rights, title, and interest in the GSF Brands and related intellectual property. You agree not to claim or assert any ownership rights to the GSF Brands, including through trademark registration, domain name registration, or any other similar methods.

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6.3. Non-challenge agreement. You agree not to challenge, assist others in challenging, or take any action that could impair GSF’s ownership of its Brands, except as required by applicable law. Additionally, you agree not to register or attempt to register any domain names, trademarks, trade names, or other distinctive brand features that are confusingly similar to those of GSF.

7.1. Notification of Infringement. The User agrees to promptly notify GSF in writing upon becoming aware of any actual or suspected infringement of any of the GSF Brands, any actions by third parties challenging the GSF Brands, or any claims by third parties asserting that the use of the GSF Brands infringes upon their rights.

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7.2. Cooperation in Enforcement. The User agrees to fully cooperate with GSF in investigating and responding to any infringement, including providing any necessary information or assistance to GSF, at GSF's request. The User shall not independently take any action in relation to such infringements without the prior written consent of GSF.

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7.3. GSF’s Right to Enforce. GSF retains the sole discretion to enforce its intellectual property rights, including taking legal action, negotiating settlements, or other appropriate measures. The User acknowledges that GSF is under no obligation to take any enforcement action in relation to a reported infringement.

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7.4. No Third-Party Claims. The User shall not settle, compromise, or defend any claim of infringement involving the GSF Brands without GSF's prior written consent. Any settlement or resolution of such a claim shall not bind GSF or affect its rights or interests.

The User agrees to indemnify, defend and hold GSF and its licensors, their respective affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, licensors, and suppliers harmless from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, expenses, damages, and costs, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, resulting from a violation or breach of these Terms by the User.

Because GSF Brands are provided for use without charge, GSF shall not be liable for any claims, damages or losses arising from or related to your authorised use of its Brands. This includes but its not limited to, any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages, regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, or otherwise) under which such claims may be brought.

10.1. Right to Terminate or Modify Permissions. GSF reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate or modify your permission to display or use the GSF Brands at any time. GSF may take action against any use that:

• does not comply with these Terms;
• infringes on GSF’s intellectual property or other rights;
• violates any applicable law.

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10.2. Obligations Upon Termination. Upon receiving notice of termination, you must immediately cease all use of the GSF Brands as specified by GSF, including removing, destroying or disabling or return any online, printed instances and other materials containing the GSF Brands.

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Switzerland. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts in Geneva, Switzerland.

[email protected]

By checking the box and submitting the form, you confirm your agreement to and acknowledgment of these Terms for the authorised use of GSF’s Brands.

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Brand ToUs Signing Form