Use of the IMF seal
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- Use of the IMF seal
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Overview and access
- The IMF seal is the official emblem of the International Monetary Fund.
- The IMF seal is trademarked by the IMF, and there are special rules relating to its use.
- If you would like to use the seal for any purpose, or have questions about its reproduction and use, contact COMPD-Clearance@IMF.org.
- For general inquiries and access requests to IMF brand materials, contact creative@IMF.org.
- IMF Staff: Access the full branding library on the IMF Intranet using the searchword “brand”. Contact creative@IMF.org with all inquiries and access requests.
Use restrictions and permissions
- External visibility: The IMF seal can be used only on co-sponsored or co-organized events.
- Publications: The IMF seal can be used only on work published by the IMF or one of the IMF’s official co-publishers.
- Permission required: Individuals, including IMF employees and staff, are not authorized to use or share the IMF seal without permission.
History and legal protection
- In 1946, Roman L. Horne, the IMF’s temporary secretary, requested the design of the IMF seal. The U.S. Treasury Department did the first design.
- Following some alterations by the IMF, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing rendered the IMF seal into its final form.
- On May 6, 1946, the IMF unveiled the seal at the first meeting of the Executive Board.
- Trademark in 1962: The IMF seal was registered with the International Bureau for the Protection of Industrial, Literary, and Artistic Property, under Article 6ter subparagraphs 1(a)-(c), of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, on October 12, 1962.
Symbolism and design elements
- The shield signifies protection and stability.
- The interlocking hemispheres of the world intend to illustrate a global reach, not a precise map of the world.
- The olive branch represents peace and prosperity.
- The spelled out name of the IMF uses a serif font with two five-pointed stars.
Minimum reproduction and use of initials
- Due to the intricate design of the IMF seal, it cannot be reproduced below a minimum size.
- To ensure brand recognition, use the IMF initials to increase legibility at smaller sizes.
- The IMF initials as a brand mark: The initials IMF appear in English and cannot be translated. If translation is needed, this can appear next to the initials IMF, in the correspondent member official language.