Protected Scout logos, names, badges and awards

We are proud of our brand and visual identity and encourage all members to use them to increase recognition and understanding of Scouting, as well as to support local fundraising. However it is important that members follow the rules below and keep within brand guidelines to ensure a consistent approach across the UK.

14.3.1 Definitions

Protected logos are:

14.3.1.1 the Scout logo (in all brand colours and in both the stacked and horizontal versions), which is protected under registered UK trade mark UK00003310891 

14.3.1.2 The UK Scout fleur de lis (arrowhead), which is protected under registered UK trade mark UK00003276645  

14.3.1.3 all section logos

14.3.1.4 the pre-May 2018 UK fleur de lis (arrowhead), protected under registered UK trade mark UK00000922043 (it must not be used on any new item by local Scouting after May 2018, except on flags as specified in Chapter 12 and in the maintenance of Scout archives. It will remain a protected mark). 

14.3.1.5 the pre-May 2018 UK Scout logo, registered UK trade mark UK00002252954 (it must not be used by local Scouting after May 2020, but will remain a protected mark).

14.3.2 Definitions - protected Scout names 

14.3.2.1 These are protected Scout names: 

1. ‘the 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 section of The Scout Association.   

14.3.3 Definitions - protected Scout badges and awards

14.3.3.1 These are protected Scout badges and awards:

1. all UK Programme Badges
2. all official Occasional Badges
3. all National UK Awards
4. the Wood Badge
5. the Log and Axe

14.3.4 Usage

14.3.4.1 A section, Group, District or County with the permission of its relevant Trustee Board 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 and 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.
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. use UK Programme badges, Occasional badges, all Scout logos and names for the normal day-to-day running of Scouting, for example in newsletters, emails, handouts, forms, programme materials, signage, stationery, websites and social media

14.3.4.2 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
2. offer a personalisation service to other Scout sections, Groups, Districts or counties without a commercial licence from UK Headquarters
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 except to add personalisation to their logo 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.

14.3.5 The World Scout Membership Badge and Logo

14.3.5.1 The World Membership Badge and logos are owned by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). They may only be used or reproduced by permission of The Scout Association, acting as sole UK licensee on behalf of WOSM. They may not be used as a substitute for the UK Scout logo on local communications, signage or merchandise.

14.3.6 Contact

14.3.6.1 To apply for a commercial licence to use a Scout logo or name, email licensing@scouts.org.uk with a brief summary of your proposition. You will then be contacted to discuss the possibility of entering into a commercial licensing agreement.

14.3.7 Devolved Nation logos

14.3.7.1 Devolved Nation logos may only be used by written permission of the devolved Nation headquarters (for non-commercial use) or permission from the Scout licensing team in consultation with Devolved Nation headquarters (for commercial use). 

14.3.7.2 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 should contact the relevant devolved Nation headquarters with details of the intended use, seeking written permission:  

1. Scouts N.I. - enquiries@scoutsni.org 
2. Scouts Scotland - hello@scouts.scot  
3. ScoutsCymru - admin@scoutscymru.org.uk  

14.3.7.3 If a member, section, Group, District or County wishes to use a devolved Nation logo for commercial use on merchandise for example, they should contact licensing@scouts.org.uk. The licensing team will consult with the relevant devolved Nation headquarters before issuing a licence.  

14.3.7.4 Only Nation headquarters may authorise use of the devolved Nation logos (Scouts Scotland, ScoutsCymru and Scouts N.I.) in its communications and marketing materials.  

14.3.7.5 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: