Objective
Umicore works with a multitude of different third parties – companies, agencies, distributors, suppliers, contractors – ranging from multinationals to small family-owned businesses and start-ups to listed companies globally.
As a general rule, to maintain the integrity and reputation of Umicore’s brand, Umicore does not allow third parties to use Umicore’s name, logo and brand assets merely for their own promotional and marketing purposes. This can result in several risks, including direct and collateral negative publicity and loss of control over Umicore’s image, sensitive information and intellectual property.
However, Umicore recognizes the potential of mutual collaborative opportunities with third parties. The circumstances where the granting of such authorization applies will remain exceptional and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Umicore reserves the right to review, allow, restrict or forbid the use of its brand, logo, trademarks and related content in third party communication intentions. This policy has been established for third parties requesting to use our logo, trademarks, brand assets or content including written articles and interviews.
Scope
Any intended use of our logo, trademarks, brand assets or content requires the written approval from Umicore Group Communications & Investor Relations as owners of the Umicore Group brand. This extends to every aspect of usage, including design, promotional materials, interviews, and other formats. Umicore Group Communications shall consult and inform the Trademark team of the Legal Department on use of logos and/or trademarks.
For contracts with third-parties or joint ventures, the agreement should not automatically stipulate an obligation to communicate nor use our name/logo/trademark for their own marketing, commercial and promotional purposes for example through a press release, social media, interviews, presentations or website.
Responsibility
The responsibility of this policy is with Umicore Group Communications & Investor Relations and the Trademark team of the Legal Department.
General principles:
Permission and authorization
- All third-party uses of Umicore's brand assets must be explicitly authorized by Umicore Group Communications & Investor Relations.
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Requests for usage should be submitted in writing and detail the specific use case, with:
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A clear link to Umicore’s business
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A strategic advantage for Umicore in disclosing the contract or collaboration e.g. raw materials supply contracts
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- Umicore Group Communications & Investor Relations reviews the intended use (“Purpose) and shall be able to propose or make changes or refuse the use of its brand assets.
- If approved, an authorization letter shall be put in place provided in the Annex. The authorization letter shall be reviewed and validated by the Legal Department prior to be shared with the third party.
Contractual third party endorsement
- When Umicore (business units and corporate departments) enters into an agreement with a third party, their agreement should not automatically or by definition stipulate an obligation to communicate nor use our name/logo/trademark for their own marketing, commercial and promotional purposes, for example through a press release, social media, interviews, presentations or website.
- When Umicore (business units and corporate departments) enters into an agreement with a third party, and wishes to endorse a third party, the agreement needs to include an authorization provided in the Annex defining the purpose – with preliminary authorization from Group Communications & Investor Relations as stipulated under principle 2.1.
- A standard clause will be included in all contracts.
Branding consistency
- Third parties must adhere to Umicore's Brand Asset Rules, which provides information on the correct usage, color palettes, placement, and more.
- Any modifications to the logo or trademarks are strictly prohibited.
Context of use
- Brand assets should be used in a manner that is consistent with Umicore's values, vision, and mission.
- Our brand assets must never be used in contexts that suggest an official partnership or endorsement unless such a relationship has been formally approved and established.
Prohibited uses
- Use of Umicore's brand assets in any offensive, harmful, or derogatory content or context is strictly prohibited.
- Misrepresentation of Umicore or implying a partnership or endorsement that isn't formalized is not allowed
Content usage
When using Umicore's content, it should be accurate, up-to-date, and not taken out of context.
Proper attributions should be given, ensuring readers or viewers know the content's source (e.g. by inserting a copyright mention such as : © Umicore, 2024).
Termination and review
- Umicore reserves the right to review and request modifications to any third-party material using our brand assets.
- We can revoke permission to use our brand assets at any time if a third party does not adhere to these rules or misrepresents our company.
Duration of use
- Unless otherwise agreed upon, third-party use of our brand assets is granted for a specified duration, with a maximum duration of five year. After the period, re-authorization is required.
Reporting misuse
- If any unauthorized or inappropriate use of Umicore's brand assets is identified, it should be reported immediately to the Legal Department.
Licensing agreement
- For extended use or special cases, a licensing agreement may be necessary, detailing the terms, conditions, and duration of the Brand Assets use. In such a case, contact the Legal Department at [email protected].
Contact and queries
- For further clarification or to request permission, you should contact Group Communications & Investor Relations.