Trademark Usage Policy for the HACB 

A. Policy Purpose

This Policy establishes the rules and requirements for use of all Homelessness Advocate trademarks, including certification marks and service marks.

B. HACB Organizational Trademarks

• Mark Ownership – The following organizational trademarks (HACB Trademarks) are owned and controlled by HACB:

HACB retains the exclusive rights to use the HACB Trademarks. HACB may develop and utilize additional marks as necessary.

Prohibited Use of HACB Trademarks – Individuals, organizations, and entities, including HACB-certified advocates, are strictly prohibited from using the HACB Trademarks. In specific cases, HACB may grant permission for another organization to use a particular HACB Trademark, subject to an approved license agreement. Any authorization by HACB to use a HACB Certification Mark or HACB Recognized Mark, as outlined in Sections II and III of this Policy, does not extend to the use of the HACB Trademarks.

Policy Violations and Related Matters – HACB reserves the right to utilize all available remedies permitted by law and organizational policies to safeguard the HACB Trademarks. Unauthorized use or infringement of any HACB Trademarks will be addressed promptly. Upon receiving notice of potential unauthorized usage of an HACB Trademark, HACB will assess whether actions should be taken in line with this Policy and relevant Federal and State regulations.

HOMELESSNESS ADVOCATE CERTIFICATION MARK POLICY

Policy Purpose

The Homelessness Advocate Certification Board (HACB) certification marks and credentials (HACB Certification Marks) certify that authorized individuals performing homelessness advocacy services have met the necessary requirements established by HACB. HACB Certification Marks signify a standard of excellence in the homelessness advocacy field. This Policy outlines the regulations and guidelines for the use of the HACB Certification Marks, including their appropriate use by certified individuals on professional materials. It is imperative for all HACB-authorized individuals to thoroughly review this Policy to ensure that all uses of the Certification Marks comply with the specified requirements.

Authorized Use of Homelessness Advocate Certification Marks – The Homelessness Advocate Certification Board (HACB) grants limited permission to use the HACB Certification Marks to qualified individuals who meet all applicable certification requirements. In accordance with relevant regulations and organizational policies, HACB ensures that the Certification Marks are utilized and displayed appropriately, as such usage represents HACB certification to the public.

Prohibited Use of HACB Trademarks and HACB Recognized Mark – Permission to use a HACB Certification Mark does not extend to the use of any HACB Trademarks or HACB Recognized Mark, as identified in Sections I and III of this Policy.

Individuals Authorized to Use HACB Certification Marks/Certificant Responsibilities – Use of the Certification Marks is exclusively limited to individuals who hold valid certification from HACB and are in good standing. Each certified individual assumes sole responsibility for understanding and fulfilling all organizational and legal requirements regarding the use and display of the Certification Marks. HACB bears no liability or responsibility for any claims, complaints, suits, or damages arising from a certificant’s use or display of a Certification Mark. 

Certificants must ensure that the use of any Certification Mark on professional materials adheres to this Policy and complies with applicable laws. HACB does not assume responsibility for interpreting or applying legal requirements. Certificants are prohibited from making public statements or representations related to the HACB Certification Program that discredit HACB, contain materially false information, or contradict the interests of HACB.

Non-Assignability and Non-Transferability of HACB Certification Marks – Permission to use the HACB Certification Marks is exclusive to the certificant and may not be transferred, assigned, or utilized by any other individual, organization, business, or entity.

a. Proper Use – Each individual HACB certificant must use the Certification Marks only alongside their name, and specifically in relation to services related to homelessness advocacy. The Certification Marks should not be positioned, displayed, or utilized in a manner that could mislead the public into believing that a company or organization is certified or endorsed by HACB.

b. Proper Appearance – In the context of other affiliation marks or logos, the HACB Certification Marks may be placed near such marks or logos but must remain distinct and separate to prevent confusion regarding the origin of the certification. This ensures that other marks, certifications, credentials, designations, or organizations are not incorrectly associated with or endorsed by HACB.

c. Examples of Proper Uses and Appearance – Examples of correct uses and appearances of the HACB Certification Marks include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios.

Non-Interference with Use of Certification Marks by Other Certificants – A HACB certificant may not prohibit, restrict, or otherwise limit the authorized and appropriate use of a HACB Certification Mark by another certificant.

Violation Reporting Responsibilities – Each HACB certificant has the responsibility to report the unauthorized use, misuse, or other violation of this Policy to HACB in a timely manner. This reporting responsibility includes any circumstance where the use of a HACB Certification Mark is related to an individual or organization that is not a HACB certificant, or where a Certification Mark is used improperly by a HACB certificant.

Policy Violations and Related Matters – HACB reserves, and may use, any and all remedies available under applicable laws and organizational policies to protect the HACB Certification Marks. Infringement or other misuse of any HACB Certification Mark will be challenged. HACB certificants are required to cooperate fully in the review and resolution of such matters. Following receipt of information that an inappropriate or unauthorized use of a Certification Mark may have occurred, HACB will determine if responsive action(s) will be taken in accordance with this Policy and applicable laws.

Disciplinary Actions Related to Mark Misuse by a Certificant or Candidate – All mark misuse complaints and other matters concerning potential violations of this Policy by a HACB certificant or certification candidate will be reviewed and resolved by the HACB Executive Director, or his/her designee. If, after notice and a fair opportunity to respond, the Executive Director determines that the certificant or candidate has violated the terms of this Policy, HACB reserves the right to issue disciplinary sanctions and/or other appropriate corrective actions, including but not limited to certification suspension or revocation; or the rejection of the candidate’s HACB certification application. A HACB certificant may request an informal review of an adverse decision by submitting a written request for review to HACB. A HACB candidate may appeal an adverse decision under the HACB Certification Appeals Procedure. In addition, HACB may refer cases of certification mark misuse, infringement, or other similar matters to appropriate agencies and other organizations or may initiate appropriate legal action.

Policy Violation Actions Concerning Third Parties – Following receipt of information that an inappropriate or unauthorized use of the HACB Certification Mark(s) by a third party individual, organization, or company may have occurred, HACB will determine if responsive action(s) will be taken consistent with HACB policies and applicable laws.