About the ERTMS® logo

Since September 2010, ERTMS® has a logo. The rules related to the use of the logo are further explained in the FAQ below.

Please address UNIFE directly for specific queries. For more information, please read the Rules for using the ERTMS® trademark or contact Victoria Campos and Tanvi Mishra via email.

Do I have to pay a fee to use the ERTMS® logo?

This depends. Organisations which have no “commercial” interest in ERTMS®, such as newspapers, NGOs, or railways, are normally not asked to pay a fee. However, if you are a supplier of ERTMS® products, you will be asked to pay a certain amount of money – which is used to finance the legal protection of the logo and the related communications.

I am a supplier of ERTMS® products, but not a member of UNISIG. Am I allowed to use the logo?

Specific criteria will apply, such as the ability to deliver ERTMS®-compliant products – please see enclosed Rules for using the ERTMS® trademark for more information. In any case, you should first establish contact with the UNIFE Secretariat.

May I pick up the ERTMS® logo from loc.ertmsnew and use it in my communications material?

Not unless you are allowed to do so by UNIFE. The ERTMS® logo is protected and legally registered, both in Europe and abroad. Any unauthorized use will be strictly monitored by UNIFE, and abuses will be punished.

As a first step, you should therefore contact UNIFE and sign where appropriate a license agreement (see below).

What are the objectives of the ERTMS® logo?

The objectives and purposes of the ERTMS® logo are defined as follows:

To demonstrate the commitment both technically and financially of like-minded and capable, World Class signalling companies to introduce ERTMS® standard products and systems on a Global and interoperable basis.
To generate within the Licensed Users group a sense of responsibility and ownership in the manner of use of the logo and a sense of joint responsibility for the correct use, protection and advancement of the logo in the world market by all Licensed users.
To promote the introduction or extension of ERTMS® technology into a market location by a recognised ERTMS® supplier.
To provide confidence to non-implementers of ERTMS® technology that positive deployment of ERTMS® into their national rail development plans for both infrastructure and onboard applications will be technically and commercially beneficial.

Who is allowed to use the ERTMS® logo?

UNIFE is the owner of the ERTMS® logo and uses it in its ERTMS®-related communications. In addition, the UNISIG suppliers – full members and associated – have participated (both in terms of workforce and financially) to its creations and signed a license agreement with UNIFE.

In addition to UNIFE, the ERTMS® Code of conduct lists four categories of users:

UNISIG full & Associated members;
Non-UNISIG ERTMS® products’ suppliers;
Non-for-profit organizations, public institutions or companies which are not “suppliers” of ERTMS® products, such as railways;
Other organizations, such as newspapers or railway magazines.
Depending on the category, different rules apply, but regardless of their statutes, stakeholders interested in using the logo must first sign a license agreement with UNIFE before using the logo.

Why is the ERTMS® logo legally protected?

Just like any product’s logo, there was a need to avoid misuses. This would for example be caused by companies claiming to have ERTMS®-compliant products when this is not the case, third parties selling low quality, unreliable material that could damage ERTMS®’ image, etc.