Transcription
Guide to Use ofthe CFP MarksRevision 4: July 19, 2021
GUIDE TO USE OF THE CFPCERT TM MARKSFinancial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (“FPSB”) owns the CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERandcertification and service marks CFP Mark, and oversees the development ofinternational CFP certification standards to benefit and protect consumers outside the UnitedStates. By meeting and maintaining FPSB’s licensing and affiliation requirements and standards,Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM) is authorized to administer the CFP certificationprogram in Malaysia. Individuals who have met FPAM’s initial certification and renewal standardsare authorized to use the following two marks in Malaysia:CFPCERT TMA person’s use of the CFP Mark identifies that he or she has met rigorous ethics, competency andprofessional practice standards to deliver personal financial planning services in Malaysia, asestablished by FPSB and locally adapted and administered by FPAM in Malaysia.To benefit and protect the public, FPAM must ensure that the CFP Mark are protected and usedproperly in Malaysia, and that any person using the CFP Mark has met appropriate certificationrequirements. Unlike licenses to practice or educational credentials, the CFP certification andservice marks must be used in compliance with trademark law in Malaysia.If trademarks or certification marks are used improperly, they could eventually lose their protectivestatus. If this were to happen to the CFP Mark, CFP professionals would lose the differentiation ofthe certification and consumers would be unable to rely on the CFP certification as a mark of qualityfor professional financial services. To prevent this, FPAM requires all stakeholders to follow theseguidelines for the use of the CFP Mark. Proper use of the CFP Mark by education providers ismandated through the contract with FPAM.Please familiarize yourself with the contents of this Guide before using the CFP Mark. FPAMshould review all materials that you are developing which feature the CFP Mark; please contact usat eer@fpam.org.my.1CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
TABLE OF CONTENTS1.0Rules for the Use of the CFPCERT TM Marks42.0General Requirements for Using the CFP Marks53.0Requirements for Using the CFP Mark64.0Prohibition from Using the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Mark85.0Requirement for Usingthe Logo Mark96.0Rules for Reproducingthe117.0Using the CFP Marks in Text Documents138.0Using the CFP Marks in Electronic Media149.0Using the CFP Mark Lozenge on Promotional Leaflets and Brochures15Logo Mark10.0 FPSB’s Territory-Specific Trademark Symbols and Legal Notices1511.0 Frequently Asked Questions162CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
1.0 Rules for the Use of The CFPCERT TM Marks1.1The marks CFP CERT TMguide.1.2CFP professionals and other FPAM stakeholders acknowledge that FPSB Ltd. is thesole, absolute and exclusive owner of all rights, title and interest in, and to, the CFPMarks outside the United States.1.3CFP professionals and other FPAM stakeholders will not challenge FPSB Ltd. as thesole, absolute and exclusive owner of all rights, title and interest in, and to, the CFPMarks outside the United States, and the goodwill associated with these marks.1.4CFP professionals and other FPAM stakeholders will not challenge the validity of theCFP Marks.1.5CFP professionals and other FPAM stakeholders will not adopt, use or promote anymark that is confusingly similar to any of the CFP Marks, as determined by FPSB Ltd.1.6CFP professionals and other FPAM stakeholders will not take, encourage or promoteany action that would/does impair the rights of FPSB Ltd. in and to the CFP Marks orthe goodwill associated with them, or use the CFP Marks in a way that would make itdifficult for FPSB Ltd. to assert its ownership of the CFP Marks outside the UnitedStates.1.7CFP professionals are subject to the conditions relating to use of the CFP Marks asset forth in FPAM’s CFP Certification Renewal Form.1.8The CFP Marks must be used in a way that makes it clear that FPSB Ltd. owns them.The CFP Marks may not be used to imply FPSB Ltd.’s endorsement of an individual orcompany (even when one or more employees are certified by FPAM to use the CFPMarks).1.9The form of the CFP Marks may not be altered by modifying in text form, animating,making three-dimensional, or using them on a patterned background, as a watermark,or as part of the background itself.should be used only as described in thisand1.10 Where possible, use a territory-specific legal notice (see section 9.0) or the followingnotice in materials that use the CFP Marks:“Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) owns the CFP, CERTIFIEDFINANCIAL PLANNER andmarks outside the United States, and permitsqualified individuals to use these marks to indicate that they have met FPSB’s initialand ongoing certification requirements.”3CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
2.0 General Requirements for Using the CFP MarksCFP professionals should follow FPSB Ltd.’s requirements when using the CFP CERT TM, andmarks in communication and collateral material. You will greatly assist FPSB Ltd. inprotecting its CFP Marks if you follow three general rules that apply to all trademarks.2.1Always Use the CFP Marks as AdjectivesAlthough it sounds strange to the casual user, trademarks must never be used asnouns—a trademark must always be used as an adjective modifying a noun.Correct Use:I am a CFP CERT TM professional.My CFP CERT TM professional is named Simon Lim.Incorrect Use:I am a CFP.My planner is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER.2.2Only Modify Certain Nouns with the CFP MarksSince the CFP Marks identify individuals who have met FPSB’s certification standards,they should modify nouns that refer to individuals, the certification program or themarks themselves. FPSB has eight approved nouns that can follow the CFP Marks—certificate, certification, credential, designation, exam/examination, mark, practitionerand professional.Correct Use:CFP CERT TM professionalCFP CERT TM practitionerIncorrect Use:CFP firmCFP advertisementCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER qualification2.3Use Appropriate Identifiers with the CFP MarksHow trademarks should be identified (“ ”, “CM”, “TM”) and the legal notices thatdescribe their status in a country or region vary based on the territory in which themarks are being used. Refer to Trademark Legal Notices (section 9.0) and this Guidefor details on proper marks use in a territory.4CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
3.0 Requirements for Using the CFP Mark Always use capital letters. Never use periods (unless at the end of a sentence, e.g., “I received advice from Jack Lee, CFP.”). Always use the appropriate symbol (see section 9.0) for Malaysia. Always use one of FPSB Ltd.'s approved nouns: certificate, certification, credential,designation, exam/examination, mark, practitioner and professional (except as providedin Rule 3.4).3.1The CFP mark must appear in all capital letters and without periods betweenthe letters.Correct Use:Jack Lee, CFPCERT TMMohd Ali Bin Khalid, CFPCERT TMIncorrect Use:Jack Lee, cfpMohd Ali Bin Khalid, C.F.P.3.2The CFP mark must appear with the appropriate superscript symbol (see section9.0) for the territory in which the mark is being displayed in its first use in printedmaterials.Correct Use: (as first use in printed materials)Mohd Ali Bin Khalid is a CFPCERT TM professional.Incorrect Use: (as first use in printed materials)Jack Lee is a CFP professional specializing in estate planning.3.3The CFP Mark must not be used as a parenthetical abbreviation for CERTIFIEDFINANCIAL PLANNER (see also Rule 4).Correct Use: (as first use in printed materials)Mohd Ali Bin Khalid is a CFPCERT TM professional.Incorrect Use: (as first use in printed materials)Jack Lee is a CERTIFED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) professional.5CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
3.4 The CFP Mark must be used as a descriptive adjective, not as a noun or a verb,except when used within a signature block, on letterhead or on a business card.Trademark law requires that a mark be used as a descriptive adjective, not as a nounor verb, to prevent the mark from becoming generic. An exception applies when the CFPmark is used following an individual’s name, e.g., Jack Lee, CFP.Correct Use:Jack Lee, is a CFPCERT TM professional.He practices financial planning as a CFPCERT TM certificant.Correct Use: (Following Practitioner’s Name)Jack Lee, CFPCERT TMJL Financial ServicesIncorrect Use:Jack Lee is a CFP.He practices financial planning as a CFP.Incorrect Use:Jack Lee, cfpJL Financial Services3.5 The CFP Mark may not be used as a plural or possessive word.Correct Use:Mohd Ali Bin Khalid and Jack Lee are CFPCERT TM professionals.The CFPCERT TM professionals’ seminar was sold out.Incorrect Use:Mohd Ali Bin Khalid and Jack Lee are CFPs.The CFPs’ seminar was sold out.3.6 The CFP Mark should be used exclusively with the approved nouns: certificant,certification, credential, designation, exam/examination, mark, practitioner andprofessional.Correct Use:Jack Lee is a CFPCERT TM practitioner.Mohd Ali Bin Khalid is a CFPCERT TM professional who got his CFP certification thisyear.Incorrect Use:Jack Lee is a CFP financial advisor.Mohd Ali Bin Khalid got his CFP degree.6CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
4.0The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER mark must not be used in Malaysia asthe designation financial planner is protected by Malaysian regulations.In Malaysia, Securities Commission regulates the financial planning industry and the usage of thedesignation financial planner is protected. As such, usage of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER mark is prohibited.CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER 7CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
5.0 Requirement for Using the Logo Mark Always use the three components of the logo – flame, “CFPCERT TM” and the appropriatesymbol (see section 9.0) for Malaysia. Always reproduce the logo mark from original artwork. Never alter or modify the logo mark. Strictly for Certified Members use only.5.1The CFP Logo mark is comprised of three components: the flame element, theletters “CFP” and Malaysia territory-specific symbol (“CERT TM” see section 9.0for territory-specific symbol). These three components must be used together asone unit at all times to protect the visual integrity of the mark.Correct Use:Incorrect Use:Any deviation from the three components above is a misuse and is unacceptable.5.2Under no circumstances may the CFP Logo mark be altered, modified or handdrawn, nor may it be typeset, reproduced or electronically scanned in such poorquality as to distort or significantly alter its appearance.Correct Use:Incorrect Use:Do not use without the appropriate territory-specific symbol. Do not use without theflame. Do not use the flame alone.Do not separate the graphic elements. Do not add other elements.Do not re-proportion the elements.Do not reproduce the mark in unapproved colors.Do not reproduce the mark on complex backgrounds.Do not use poor quality reproduction art.Do not try to recreate the mark.Do not skew or distort the mark.Do not use the mark in outline form.8CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
5.3The CFP Logo mark must be clearly associated with the individual certified byFinancial Planning Association of Malaysia, who is an FPSB Affiliate.Correct Use:Jack Lee, CFPCERT TMIncorrect Use:JL Financial Services9CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
6.0Rules for Reproducing the Logo MarkTo control the quality of the CFP Logo mark’s appearance, FPSB Ltd. requires allreproductions to be made from original artwork, be readable, legible and on approvedbackgrounds, and have consistent use of color. The information below will provide your printvendor the information necessary to create proper reproductions of the mark.6.1Original ArtworkAll reproductions of the CFP Logo mark must be made from original artwork providedby FPSB. To obtain positive and reverse reproduction images from FPSB, contact usat legaldept@fpsb.org. through agreement with FPAM6.2ReadabilityTo maintain readability of thetrademark symbol (see section 9.0), thefollowing three graphic relationships between the mark and the trademark symbol havebeen developed.10CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
6.3LegibilityThe impact and legibility of the printed CFP Logo mark will be lessened by crowding itwith other visual elements. A clear zone surrounding the mark has been establishedas an area into which no other graphic imagery or other visual elements may enter. Asshown below, this space is determined by the cap height of “CFP,” the typographicelement of the CFP Logo mark. The one exception to this rule is when the mark is usedwithin text.Clear ZoneTo ensure optimum legibility of the CFP Logo marks, a minimum reproduction size of6 mm is recommended. If reduced to a smaller size, the overall legibility and visualimpact of the mark may be compromised. If reproduction quality of the CFP Logo markcannot be guaranteed when reproduced at 6 mm, a larger size may be necessary.6.4Approved BackgroundsThe positive mark should be used on light colored backgrounds ranging from white tovalues no darker than 40% of black. The CFP Logo mark should be reversed if usedon dark backgrounds from 50%–100% value of black.6.5Color OptionsConsistent use of color in the mark is important to establish immedi ate recognition ofindividuals certified by an FPSB Affiliate. The required two-color option for the mark uses PANTONE 280 Blue for the flame element and black for the “CFP” and territoryspecific trademark symbol.11CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
7.0Using the CFP Marks in Text DocumentsUse the CFP Marks as described in this guide.7.1Only the first use of each mark needs the appropriate trademark symbol (see section9.0).Correct Use:Mohd Ali Bin Khalid recently attained the CFPCERT TM certification. He works withanother CFP professional in Johor. They consider the CFP certification to be financialplanning’s gold standard.7.2Include the correct territory-specific legal notice (see section 10.0).7.3Identify FPSB Ltd. As the owner of the CFP Marks.7.4Do not alter or modify the CFP Marks.12CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
8.0Using the CFP Marks in Electronic Media8.1 Websites8.1.1 Use the CFP Marks as described in this guide.8.1.2 In the content of each individual website page, only the first use of each markneeds the proper trademark symbol.8.1.3 The CFP mark should appear only once in the meta-text of the code within eachWeb site page belonging to an individual currently certified by an FPSB Affiliate.Correct Use: META name “keywords” content “CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER” Incorrect Use: META name “keywords” content “CFP, CFP, CFP, CFP” META name “keywords” content “CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER,CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER” 8.1.4 The CFP and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER marks may be used as websitehyperlinks only if they link directly to FPSB’s Web site, www.fpsb.org.8.2 Domain Names8.2.1 The CFP and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER marks may not be used as partof a domain name. They may appear as text or images throughout the website,according to FPSB’s rules for proper use.Correct Use:www.jackleefinancialplanning.comIncorrect Use:www.jackleecfp.com8.3 E-mail Addresses8.3.1 The CFP and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER marks may not be used as partof an e-mail address.Correct Use:jlee@hotmail.comIncorrect Use:Jack Lee@CFP4U.comcfp@jackleefinancialplanning.com13CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
9.0Using the CFP Mark Lozenge on Promotional MaterialsThis section of the guide is for usage on promotional materials by FPAM Chapters,publications and FPAM appointed education providers.9.1 Promotional Materials for Print and Digital9.1.1This applies to advertisements, buntings, brochures and leaflets9.1.2The lozenge is used to promote the CFP Certification Programme.9.1.3The colour and layout must adhere strictly to the logo. No modification or recoloring is allowed.9.2 CFP Mark Lozenge9.2.1This lozenge is used where reference is made to the CFP Certification Program with no reference to a Certified Member. For Certified Members, pleaserefer to item 5 in this guide.9.2.2Always reproduce the logo mark from original artwork.9.2.3FPSB has approved the usage of after the flame only in the lozenge due todesign restrictions.9.3 Approval of Promotional Materials9.3.1 All promotional materials are to be vetted by FPAM before dissemination.9.3.2 Materials to be sent to FPAM for approval at least 2 weeks before dissemination.14CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
10.0 FPSB’s Territory-Specific Trademark Symbols and Legal NoticesTo ensure that you are using the proper legal notices for the CFP Marks in Malaysia, youshould use the following country/region-specific trademark symbols and legal notices.TerritoryMalaysiaCFPCERT TMLogoLegal NoticeCERT TMCFPCERT TM, andare certificationmarks owned outside the U.S. byFinancial Planning Standards Board Ltd.FinancialPlanningAssociationofMalaysia is the marks licensing authorityfor the CFP Marks in Malaysia, throughagreement with FPSB15CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
11.0 Frequently Asked Questions1.What are “Marks”?“Marks” refer to the various CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER andcertification and service marks owned by FPSB Ltd outside the United States.2.What is the difference among “CM”, “TM” and “ ”?An organization can claim rights in a trademark prior to its official registration with aPatent and Trademark Office in a territory; in fact, many jurisdictions requirecommercial use prior to seeking registration. The “TM” symbol indicates that FPSB Ltd.is relying on its common law rights in the marks, “ ” indicates a formal registration witha trademark office, and “CM” is the equivalent of “TM” or “ ” in some jurisdictions andindicates that the mark is registered as a certification mark.3.Why do I have to use a “TM” or “CM” when another professional doesn’t?Professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants are governed by a territory'slaws, and earn degrees and titles such as MD and JD. Unlike doctors and lawyers,CFP professionals earn certification of their services and, with that, the permission touse FPSB Ltd.’s CFP Marks.4.Why can’t I call myself a “CFP”?Trademark law specifically precludes titles and designations from receiving trademarkprotection. The CFP Marks do not indicate a title, but a certification that is given inrecognition of one’s satisfaction of FPSB Ltd.’s initial and ongoing certificationstandards. Therefore, you must use “CFP” as an adjective (as required by trademarklaw). An exception applies when the "CFP" mark is used following an individual’s name,e.g., Jack Lee, CFP.5.What are FPSB Ltd.’s approved nouns that must follow the CFP marks?FPSB Ltd. has eight approved nouns that can follow the CFP Marks—certificant,certification, credential, designation, exam/examination, mark, practitioner andprofessional.6.Why does FPSB Ltd. Insist on correct use of the CFP Marks?Marks enforcement is consistent with our efforts to support FPSB Affiliates in theirmissions to benefit the public. It is important that the CFP Marks do not fall intocommon use and become generic. If the marks no longer stand for the competency,ethics and professional practice standards that FPSB Ltd. has established, then wewill be unable to benefit the public as we do today. If the marks become generic, thepublic may not be able to differentiate between a personal financial planner who hascompleted FPSB Ltd.’s rigorous certification requirements and one who has not.7.I want to promote proper use of the CFP Marks but am not sure if I am using themcorrectly. Before I have advertising of business materials printed/published, canmy materials be reviewed?FPSB Ltd. encourages all CFP certificant to submit their use of the CFP Marks incollateral materials for review by the FPSB Affiliate in the territory prior to publishing.Remember to allow sufficient time before your scheduled print/publish date for theAffiliate to conduct an appropriate review.16CFP CERT TM andare certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial PlanningStandards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Malaysia is the marks licensing authority for theCFP Marks in Malaysia, through agreement with FPSB.
1.8 The CFP Marks must be used in a way that makes it clear that FPSB Ltd. owns them. The CFP Marks may not be used to imply FPSB Ltd.'s endorsement of an individual or company (even when one or more employees are certified by FPAM to use the CFP Marks). 1.9 The form of the CFP Marks may not be altered by modifying in text form, animating,
