Policy, Organisation and Rules

2e.1.1.1 Copyright - definitions

1. The terms ‘copyright’, ‘copyright material’ and ‘copyright work’ encompass the entire copyright, moral rights, design rights, rental rights and the rights to use, authorise the use of, or lend any written, photographic, video, or illustrative work created or owned by Scouts.   
2. The term ‘Copyright Licensee’ refers to individuals or groups who have obtained written permission from UK Headquarters to use the copyright material. 

2e.1.1.2 Policy statement 
Any local section, Group, District or County within the Scouts’ federation of charities is authorised to reproduce Scout copyright material for use in the day-to-day running of Scouts activities provided that:

1. the resulting work is not misleading and does not impose or create any liability on the Scouts or devalue the good name and reputation of the Scouts 
2. rights to Scout copyright, including all moral rights under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, automatically remain with The Scout Association. 

2e.1.1.3 Restrictions
A member, section, Group, District or County must not: 

1. use Scout copyright material in any merchandise for commercial or fundraising purpose without obtaining a copyright licence from UK Headquarters  
2. grant permission to any third party to reproduce, distribute, sell, license, sub-license, or assign (in whole or in part) any Scout copyright material 

2e.1.1.4 Obtaining a copyright licence - mandatory procedure
Applications for a copyright licence to use any Scout copyright material must be emailed to [email protected] with a brief description of the requirements.   

UK Headquarters will then contact the applicant to discuss the possibility of entering a copyright licensing agreement.

2e.2.1 Introduction

2e.2.1.1 Policy statement
Our logos and names are used to increase recognition of Scouts, locally and nationally. 

2e.2.1.2 Responsibilities
Members may use our logos and names to increase recognition of Scouts, as well as to support local fundraising.   

However, members must also: 

1. follow the rules in POR 2e.2
2. avoid using the protected logos, names, badges and award for personal commercial gain 
3. keep within brand guidelines to maintain a consistent approach across Scouts 

2e.2.2 Definitions - protected Scout logos

Scouts protected logos are shown in this section: 

2e.2.2.1 Scout logo
The Scout logo (in all brand colours and in both the stacked and horizontal versions) which is protected under registered UK trade mark UK00003310891 

2e.2.2.2 UK Scout fleur de lis
The UK Scout fleur de lis (arrowhead) which is protected under registered UK trade mark UK00003276645 

2e.2.2.3 Section logos
All section logos:

2e.2.2.4 Use of our protected logos and registered Trade Marks 
The Scout Association’s protected logos and registered Trade Marks may only be used by members as defined within this chapter. Failure to comply with these rules may constitute a breach of Trade Mark law. 

2e.2.3 Definitions - protected Scout names

2e.2.3.1 Protected Scout names
These are protected Scout names: 

1. ‘Scouts’ 
2. ‘The Scout Association’ 
3. ‘Squirrels’ 
4. ‘Beavers’ 
5. ‘Cubs’ 
6. ‘Scouts’
7. ‘Explorers’ 
8. ‘Scout Network’ 
9. ‘Sea Scouts’ 
10. ‘Air Scouts’ 
11. ‘Scout Active Support Units’  
12. all names and appointments which incorporate the word 'Scout' or ‘Scouts’ or an official current or former section name of The Scout Association.  

2e.2.4 Definitions - protected Scout badges and awards 

2e.2.4.1 Protected Scout badges and awards 
These are protected Scout badges and awards: 

1. all UK Programme Badges, including the Queen's Scout and King's Scout Awards
2. all official Occasional Badges   
3. all National UK Awards  
4. the Wood Badge  
5. the Gilwell Log and Axe   

2e.2.5 Usage

2e.2.5.1 Local use of logos, badges and names 
A section, Group, District or County, with the permission of its relevant Leadership Team, may: 

1. use their localised Scout logo on all locally produced Scout items, such as clothing and other merchandise used for fundraising purposes, or which are distributed free of charge or at cost  
2. authorise printers and similar suppliers to reproduce these on their behalf. This includes items produced, sold, or distributed at local events and locally organised international events.  
3. use the section logos on local Scout items, including merchandise for local fundraising purposes, as long as the name of their section, Group, District or County is clearly visible on the item, and authorise printers and similar suppliers to reproduce these on their behalf 
4. authorise a local business or organisation to use their localised Scout logo on printed or digital marketing materials so long as this is not a head office of a national or UK-wide company or organisation  
5. use the UK Scout fleur de lis or arrowhead in local badges as long as the name of the local section, Group, District or County or local event is clearly visible on the badge and that the badge does not resemble a UK Programme badge 
6. use UK Programme badges, Occasional badges, all Scout logos and names for the normal day-to-day running of Scouts, for example in newsletters, emails, handouts, forms, programme materials, signage, stationery, websites and social media 

2e.2.5.2 Restrictions on local use 
However, a member, section, Group, District or County must not: 

1. use Scout logos without localisation, Scout names, badges or awards for fundraising or commercial purposes without a commercial licence from UK Headquarters (see POR 2e.2.8)
2. offer a commercial personalisation service for sections, Groups, Districts, Counties or their members without a commercial licence from UK Headquarters (see POR 2e.2.8)
3. licence the use of any Scout logo, name, badge, or award to any third party  
4. alter Scout logos, badges, names, or awards in any way to add personalisation to their logo except in line with the Scout brand guidelines 
5. use an official UK Programme badge, Scout award or national award on any item of merchandise 
6. authorise the national head office of any business to use any Scout logos, names, badges and awards. Only UK Headquarters may contact the national head office of a national or UK-wide company and authorise them to use Scout logos, names, badges or awards 
7. apply to register any designs or trade marks which are, or may in UK Headquarters’ view, be identical or confusingly similar to UK Scout trade marks or other protected logos, names, badges, or awards.  

2e.2.6 The World Scout Membership Badge and Logo 

2e.2.6.1 Wearing and using the World Scouting badge and logo 
The World Membership Badge and World Scouting logo are owned by World Scouting. UK members are entitled to wear the World Membership badge on uniform, however, the World Scouting logo and badge otherwise may only be used or reproduced with the permission of World Scouting. These logos must not be used as a substitute for the UK Scout logo on local communications, signage, or merchandise.

2e.2.7 Devolved Nation logos

2e.2.7.1 Non-commercial use of devolved Nation logos

1. Devolved Nation logos must  only be used with the written permission of the devolved Nation headquarters (for non-commercial use) or written permission from the Scout licensing team at UK Headquarters  in consultation with the relevant Devolved Nation headquarters (for commercial use). 
2. If a member, section, Group, District or County  wishes to use a devolved Nation logo for non-commercial use in print, online use, or for event branding, they must seek written permission by contacting the relevant devolved Nation headquarters with details of the intended use:  
   • Scouts N.I. - [email protected] 
   • Scouts Scotland - [email protected]  
   • ScoutsCymru - [email protected] 

2e.2.7.2 Commercial use of devolved Nation logos 
If a member, section, Group, District or County wishes to use a devolved Nation logo for commercial use on merchandise for example, they must contact [email protected]. The UK Headquarters team will consult with the relevant devolved Nation headquarters before issuing a licence.

2e.2.7.3 Authorisations
Only Nation headquarters can authorise use of the devolved Nation logos (Scouts Scotland, ScoutsCymru and Scouts N.I.).  

2e.2.7.4 Localising logos 
For local identification, sections, Groups, Districts and Counties in the Nations must use their name beneath the main Scout logo and follow the advice on colour use given in the brand guidelines. An example is given here: 

2e.2.8 To obtain a commercial licence

2e.2.8.1 What is a commercial licence?
A commercial licence is a written authority to use a Scout logo or name, in this case issued by The Scout Association. It is required for any activity that is intended to generate profit for individuals or businesses where the income does not wholly benefit Scouts. It is not required for Scout fundraising activity where the income generated benefits the Group, District or County. Nor is it required for the individuals in the Group, District or County to support Scouts programme activities or events.

2e.2.8.2 To obtain a commercial licence
To apply for a commercial licence to use a Scout logo or name, email [email protected] with a summary of the proposition. Contact will then be made to discuss the possibility of entering into a commercial licensing agreement.