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 ERTMS® trademark Code of Conduct 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 Code of Conduct 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.