All downloadable standards are watermarked. The ISO Central Secretariat uses watermarks in order to protect ISO's Copyright. A watermark is additional information that has been added to a document to identify the rightful licensee of the document. Using a watermark is a means of personalizing each standard that you download. By default, the watermark in the PDF file displays (on each page of the document) the order number, the download date and the email address of the contact provided in the Account. In addition to this, these watermarks may also include identifying details such as the company name and the account holder’s name to ensure compliance with individual licensing policies.
Key Licensing and Watermark Policies
Individual Licensing
ISO standards purchased through the webstore are single-user licenses. Each document is intended for the use of the purchaser only and cannot be shared or reassigned.
Watermarking on Documents
Downloaded ISO standards are watermarked with details identifying the licensed user. These identifying details typically include the company name, the account holder’s name, and their email address. This watermark appears on every page of the document.
Immutability of Watermarks
Once a standard is purchased and downloaded, the watermark cannot be modified. For example, this means:
The name or company displayed in the watermark cannot be updated.
The email address associated with the watermark cannot be changed.
The license watermark cannot be reassigned to a different user or email. These policies are designed to maintain the integrity of individual licensing and prevent unauthorized redistribution of ISO standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t watermark details be changed?
The watermarking system is an integral part of maintaining compliance with ISO’s single-user licensing model. By embedding identifiable watermark details, ISO ensures that each document remains tied to the original purchaser or licensed user, helping protect against unauthorized sharing and duplication.
Can I transfer my license for a document to another individual?
No, the licensing agreement is non-transferrable and tied to the original purchaser/licensee. Modifications to user names, email addresses, or reassignment of licenses are not possible once the document has been issued.
Related Topics
How to Purchase and Download ISO Standards
Understanding ISO’s Single-User License Model
Ensuring Compliance with ISO Licensing Agreements
