Introduction to Trademarks
Trademarks are unique terms, symbols, or combinations that identify products, services, or membership in an organization. They must be protected and used correctly to preserve their distinctiveness. Examples include “Coke” (product), “FedEx” (service mark), and “Jaycees” (collective mark). Improper protection can cause trademarks to become generic terms, as happened with “escalator” and “aspirin.”
The Marks
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of PERMITORS™ (NAP) owns several trademarks, including the terms NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of PERMITORS™, PERMITOR™, and the official logo. These marks identify members of NAP and distinguish them from non-members. Proper pronunciation and consistent use (visual and aural) are essential to preserve their value.
Definition of PERMITOR™
PERMITOR™ is a federally registered collective membership mark. It identifies building permits and business license professionals who are members of NAP, adhering to its Code of Ethics, background checks, and obligations. The mark must only be used to convey this meaning.
License to Use the Marks
Members and employees are granted a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable license to use the marks in connection with their professional activities. Usage is conditioned upon adherence to the rules in the manual and NAP’s Terms and Conditions.
Limitations on License
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Membership Limitation: Only current members and employees may use the marks. Usage ends if membership ceases.
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Business Limitation: Marks may only be used in connection with building permits and licenses, not other unrelated services.
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Geographic Limitation: Members may use marks in their place of business; employees only in assigned jurisdictions.
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Context of Use: Marks must identify NAP membership, not be used generically as a profession name.
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The Member Test: Substituting “member” for PERMITOR™ should not change meaning. If it does, usage is incorrect.
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No Modifications: Marks cannot be combined with descriptive terms (e.g., “local PERMITOR™,” “best PERMITOR™”).
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Logo Context: Logo must be used only with member or firm identification.
Form of Use Limitations
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Marks must be highlighted with capital letters and the ™ symbol.
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Preferred form: PERMITOR™, PERMITORS™.
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Other permitted forms exist when full capitalization or symbols are not feasible.
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Improper forms include hyphenation, abbreviations, or creative reconstructions.
Form of Use for the Logo
The PERMITOR™ logo consists of a check mark on a house silhouette followed by the term PERMITOR™. It must maintain proper proportions, spacing, and colors. Official colors are standardized (green check mark and term, blue house silhouette and “National Association of”).
Image intention: The manual includes diagrams showing logo proportions, spacing, and correct/incorrect usage examples to guide consistent application.
Use of Marks with Names
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Members may use PERMITOR™ with their personal or firm names, provided rules are followed.
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Employees may use PERMITORS™ with their names and logos in official contexts.
Specific Uses
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Marks may be used on merchandise.
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Marks may appear in news releases (AP/UPI style).
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Marks may not be used as directory headings or in institutional advertising.
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Marks may be used in political activities and online, following the same rules.
Trademark Protection Program
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Members and boards are responsible for protecting marks.
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Misuse by members, non-members, media, franchises, or unauthorized merchandise is prohibited.
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NAP may require written assurance of compliance, enforce actions, or initiate legal proceedings.
