Frequently Asked Questions regarding use of the MSC Logo

My company has just been certified for Chain of Custody – does that mean we can use the logo?
Not just yet. Your company is now eligible to enter into a licence agreement. This must be done before you are permitted to use the MSC logo.

How can I get a logo licence agreement?
You must sign a logo licensing agreement with Marine Stewardship Council International (MSCI), the trading arm of the MSC.

What is the purpose of the logo licence agreement?
As with any trademark, careful control of the MSC logo is essential to maintain its value to legitimate users. This control is exercised through a licence agreement between the company wanting to use the logo and the trading arm of the MSC – Marine Stewardship Council International (MSCI) – which licenses the use of the MSC logo. The licence specifies the product(s) on which the logo may be used. It also requires that logo use is consistent with the requirements set out in the document, ‘Using the MSC Logo: Regulations and Guidelines for Application’. These regulations require that proposed uses of the logo must be submitted to MSCI for written approval.

Are there specific requirements for the display of the MSC logo?
The key requirements for use on product are to display on the packaging:
• Use of the appropriate regional copyright symbol in association with the logo
• The CofC number of the company packaging or serving the final product.
• The MSC website address (www.msc.org)
• The product claim: ‘This product comes from a fishery which meets the Marine Stewardship Council’s environmental standard for a well-managed and sustainable fishery
Approval of the use of the MSC logo must be obtained from MSCI for each application. MSCI will not approve use of the logo on certified products where other labelling on the product may cause confusion about the identity of the fishery from which the product originated.

Is there a charge for using the MSC logo?
The cost of on-product use of the MSC logo is based on the value of the product at the first point of sale after application of the logo and is payable by the company responsible for applying the logo to the product. A minimum royalty is payable annually by the licensee to MSCI. A royalty rate is also payable annually for sales of MSC-labelled product that exceed a set amount.

Does every product require a separate licence agreement?
The licence agreement covering the on-product use of the MSC logo covers a specific certified species and all products of that species, each of which must be covered by a CofC Certificate. Where the same CofC Certificate covers a number of products from one species, those products may be covered by one licence greement.