Understanding Licensing Requirements for ISO Graphical Symbols with External Parties
When working with ISO graphical symbols, it is essential to understand the licensing requirements, particularly in scenarios where external parties, such as subsidiaries or contractors, are involved. This article covers the key principles and offers guidance on adhering to ISO licensing rules.
Overview of Licensing Principles
Single-User Licenses: ISO graphical symbol files and related resources are licensed to a single user within the purchasing organization. These licenses are strictly non-transferable.
End-User Responsibility: The entity using the final graphical symbols must hold the correct license. This ensures compliance with ISO's terms of use.
Collaborations with Subsidiaries or External Contractors
When a parent company collaborates with subsidiaries or contracts third-party entities, the licensing responsibilities vary depending on how and by whom the ISO graphical symbols are used:
Subsidiary or Contractor Actively Using ISO Symbols: - If a subsidiary or contractor performs tasks involving direct use of ISO graphical symbols, such as creating drawings or production-ready artwork, they must hold their own separate license. - The parent company's license cannot be extended or shared with external entities, even if they are contracted solely for work related to ISO graphical symbols.
Parent Company Using Final Artwork Only: - If the subsidiary or contractor strictly produces artwork for the parent company's internal use and does not retain or independently use the symbol files, then the parent company must hold the license covering the use of the symbols. - In such cases, the end responsibility for licensing falls on the party ultimately using the graphic works.
General Guidelines and Illustrative Scenarios
To clarify the licensing rules, consider these examples:
Scenario A: A parent company purchases ISO graphical symbols and outsources their use to a contracted subsidiary for incorporating into technical drawings. Since the subsidiary is actively using the files to complete their tasks, they need a separate license.
Scenario B: A company hires an external design firm to prepare artwork, but the firm does not work with the symbol files directly—only the parent company handles the licensed content. In this case, only the parent company requires the license.
Key Takeaways
ISO licenses are non-transferable and specific to the entity using the graphical symbols.
Any entity directly engaging with ISO symbol files—whether a subsidiary, contractor, or other external entity—must hold its own license.
Carefully assess who will be using the ISO resources and ensure the appropriate licenses are purchased accordingly.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure compliance with ISO licensing regulations while effectively managing collaborations with external entities.