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Use of the Trademarked USGS Identifier by Outside Organizations

Revised September 27, 2004

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has cooperative partnerships and contractual agreements with many outside organizations (e.g., another government agency, a commercial company, or an educational institution) that often result in the creation of various products. The USGS encourages the use of our identifier on these products.

If outside organizations plan to use the USGS identifier, they must comply with, as appropriate, the USGS Visual Identity System (VIS) guidelines, including use of the trademarked USGS identifier and any applicable product-specific VIS guidelines.

If you are a member of an outside organization that has a contract agreement with the USGS to develop products to be released by the USGS, you must follow the VIS guidelines and specifications. You may obtain copies of them from your USGS contact.

If you are a member of an outside organization that is in partnership with the USGS to produce a cooperative or joint product, please work with your USGS client or contact to determine how each partner will be identified on the product. For additional guidance on the proper use of the identifier and other applicable VIS guidelines, send an email to visual_id@usgs.gov.

If you are a member of an outside organization requesting use of the USGS identifier or USGS identification products in film, TV, or theater productions, you must submit your request to Barbara Wainman, Chief, USGS Office of Communications, 119 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192.

If you are a member of an outside organization and wish to acknowledge or credit the USGS as the source of information you are using, refer to http://www.usgs.gov/visual-id/credit_usgs.html for guidance.

The USGS Identifier

Below is general information on the USGS identifier, who may use it, when it may be used, and how to request a copy of it.

The identifier consists of three parts: a monogram of the letters "USGS," a symbolic mark, and the motto "science for a changing world." Key elements for ensuring its proper use include the following:

Who May Use the Identifier

The identifier may be used by USGS staff and by members of outside organizations that have a partnership or contractual agreement with the USGS that will result in the creation of a product.

When the Identifier May Be Used

The identifier may be used on print, electronic, digital, exhibit, and display products. The USGS reserves the right to review the circumstances under which an outside organization plans to use the identifier and to prohibit the use of the identifier.

Requesting the Identifier

An outside organization must request a copy of the identifier through its USGS client or contact. To ensure that you obtain the appropriate identifier file when making your request, submit the following information:

If you have questions or need further assistance, contact visual_id@usgs.gov.

Return to Visual Identity System home

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA
URL http://www.usgs.gov/visual-id/outside_use.html
Contact: visual_id@usgs.gov
Last modification: 27-Sep-2004@12:22
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