Research Certificate and Logo Usage Guidelines

Purpose

This guideline aims to regulate the correct use of these logos and certificates by enterprises/institutions (hereinafter referred to as “clients”) commissioned by Hong Kong Healthcare Market Research and Planning Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Healthcare Planning”). It ensures their legal, accurate, and compliant usage while maintaining the credibility of the research.

“Research” refers to data obtained by Healthcare Planning, including but not limited to surveys, market research, satisfaction tests, health screenings, etc.

Introduction to Certificates and Logos

• Research Results Certificate
  A formal written proof that records research data and results (including relevant research data and reports), which can be used in exhibitions, client negotiations, product promotions, and other scenarios.
• Research Results Logo
  Issued by Healthcare Planning, it serves as proof that the product has completed research. The content of the logo is derived from the research results certificate and can be used in promotional materials for related products, such as product packaging, posters, etc.

Principles of Use for Certificates and Logos

• Usage Period of Certificates and Logos
  Unless otherwise agreed, the usage period for the logo is 18 months from the date of issuance. If the client wishes to continue using the certificate and logo after the expiration, they must apply for a renewal in writing at least one month before the expiration date.
• Ownership and Usage of Certificates and Logos
  All rights, including intellectual property rights, to the certificates and logos belong to Healthcare Planning. Healthcare Planning retains final control over the approval, usage, and display of the logos. The logo serves as a visual identifier representing the research of Healthcare Planning’s products or services. It is applicable in official contexts related to the research, and only approved clients are permitted to use it. Healthcare Planning has the final interpretative authority over these rules and may amend the relevant provisions without prior notice; it also reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action against violators of these guidelines.
• Results Statement
  All product-related survey and empirical research results are based on genuine data provided by healthcare personnel. Healthcare Planning does not guarantee any specific effects or results of the products.
• Forms of Logo Application
  I. The logo consists of standard graphics and colors. The design, dimensions, and positioning of the logo cannot be altered.
  II. Clients must display the complete logo, including its year, text, and design, without any segmentation. Clients may proportionally scale the logo for promotional activities or items but must do so according to established ratios, avoiding distortion and changes to design or font. The logo’s height should not be less than 8 millimeters. Clients must use the logo according to the specified format.
  III. The logo may be used alongside the details of the approved client, such as the manufacturer, exporter, and brand names or trademarks. Relevant information should be placed as close to the logo as possible.
  IV. The logo must be used in a manner that ensures it is presentable, clear, firm, and easily recognizable.
• Correct Principles for Logo Usage
  I. The logo’s use is limited to target products (or services) that have passed Healthcare Planning’s research. Usage must be directly related to the results and must not mislead consumers.
  II. When using the research logo, the authorized client’s name or abbreviated name must also be displayed. Clients may not use the logo under the names of branches, subsidiaries, or affiliated companies without prior written consent from Healthcare Planning.
  III. Content using the research logo in advertisements or promotional materials (including client websites, product/service/client advertisements, etc.) must be legal, healthy, ethically sound, honest, and accurate, without any defamatory, discriminatory, or insulting elements.
  IV. Before publicly using the research logo, the authorized client must submit samples of advertisements or promotional materials featuring the logo to Healthcare Planning for review and archiving via email. The advertisement or promotional material can only be publicly used after passing the review. Healthcare Planning may request modifications and/or deletions of any displays of the research logo during the review process. The review period will be no less than five working days, so please allow time for modifications.

Handling and Removal of Expired Research Certificates and Logos

1. All expired certificates and logos must not be displayed or used.
   II. All applicant companies must remove expired electronic logos from their commercial websites, mobile applications, and related social media platforms (if applicable).
   III. If an applicant company fails to properly handle and remove expired logos, stickers, and electronic logos as outlined, their applications for the following year will not be accepted, and the organizing body reserves the right to take further action.

Review, Penalties, and Termination

• Supervision and Inspection
  Healthcare Planning reserves the right to inspect the usage of logos and certificates, including reviewing product packaging, promotional materials, and websites. Clients must complete a “Product Review Application Form” and pass the relevant procedures before conducting related research. Otherwise, the company has the right to refuse the commission.

Healthcare Planning can fully decide whether authorized clients using the logo have violated these rules and may request clients to terminate or modify the use of logos at any time. Healthcare Planning has final interpretative authority over the terms of these rules. In case of any disputes, Healthcare Planning has the final and binding decision.

If discrepancies, errors, or misleading information are found in the submitted materials during the review, the company has the right to terminate the commission and retain liability, regardless of whether the research has commenced or reports have been issued.

• Abuse Penalties
  If, during the usage period of the logo, an authorized client is complained about or found to have misused the logo (including overdue usage), Healthcare Planning will invite the client’s management or relevant personnel to undergo an investigation and assist in seeking solutions. If the issue is not resolved, Healthcare Planning has the right to suspend or revoke the client’s rights to use the logo and certificate, retaining the right to pursue further action. Complaints unrelated to the contents of these guidelines will not be addressed or mediated by Healthcare Planning. In case of any disputes, Healthcare Planning has the final and binding decision. Abuse may lead to the client bearing corresponding legal responsibilities.
• Waiving Usage Rights
  Clients may choose to temporarily or permanently waive their use of the logo or certificate based on business needs. Clients must submit a written notice to Healthcare Planning in advance.
• Termination of Use
  Healthcare Planning can fully decide whether authorized clients using the logo have violated these guidelines and may request clients to terminate or modify the use of the logo at any time. Healthcare Planning has final interpretative authority over the terms of these rules. In case of any disputes, Healthcare Planning has the final and binding decision.

Confidentiality and Legal Compliance

• Confidentiality Obligations
  Clients must keep confidential the research content and details provided by Healthcare Planning and must not disclose any related research content to unauthorized third parties. Disclosure of certificates and logos is only permitted within the scope allowed by Healthcare Planning.
• Personal Data Handling
  Clients must not request personal data of participants from Healthcare Planning. Personal data collected during the research will only be used for internal records by Healthcare Planning, and will not be transferred to clients unless explicit and voluntary consent is obtained from the individuals involved.
• Legal Compliance
  If the products or services related to the research violate relevant Hong Kong regulations and are deemed liable by statutory bodies and/or government agencies, Healthcare Planning reserves the right to cancel the client’s usage of the logo. The display of the logo only indicates that the client’s product or service has completed the relevant research conducted by Healthcare Planning and does not represent that the client’s product or service has been recognized by Healthcare Planning as meeting any specific regulations, standards, or qualifications.

For inquiries regarding the principles of certificate and logo usage, please contact Hong Kong Healthcare Market Research and Planning (Telephone: 5939 1443, Email: info@hkhmrc.com).

（updated on: 5/11/2024，version number：T24110501）