Materials printed at home for troops or service units, or advertising a local Girl Scout-only event, can utilize the Girl Scout logo, service mark, trefoil, and other brand content without prior approval. Any materials created for public consumption such as advertising or external recruitment events must first be approved by GSNI. Contact your local Membership Engagement Specialist or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.
What is brand?
Our brand is not just a logo, a visual identify, or a product. It is the personal connection and experience that people associate with Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, including our programs, services, marketing, and reputation.
Why is it important to protect the brand?
It is critical to protect the brand for financial reasons and for the sake of our organization's recognition, reputation, and credibility.
What is copyright? ©
Copyright is a law that gives the owner of a work (like a photo, song, or written material) the right to say how other people can use it. With copyright, a work can be copied only if the owner gives permission. Copyright laws help Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois protect our marketing assets. The same laws protect the visual and linguistic property of other organizations/companies. Copyright infringement is the use, reproduction, distribution, display, or performance of works protected by copyright law without permission. Do not infringe on copyright!
What does trademark mean? ™
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others. Logos, photographs, symbols, designs, words, phrases, and even non-traditional elements like sounds, smells, and colors, can be trademarked. Trademarks protect the intellectual property and use of specific ideas and symbols, as well as the trademark owner's brand.
How is infringement reported to GSUSA?
If you, a volunteer, or community member, see copyright or trademark infringement of the Girl Scout brand, visit this site to report it to GSUSA.
https://www.girlscouts.org/en/contact-us/contact-us/report-infringement.html
What is a service mark or lockup?
The lockup, or service mark, is the final form of our logo, with all its elements. Only council names (e.g. Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois) and affinity groups (e.g. Cadettes) may be locked into the service mark. Only GSUSA can create lockups/service marks.
Do volunteers need permission to use the Girl Scout logo on Girl Scout troop/group or service unit websites and social media?
Yes! Volunteers should work directly with staff for approval and assistance.
How do volunteers or community members request permission to use the Girl Scout logo on things like cakes or unusual items?
GSUSA does grant permission for logo use on a case-by-case basis. To request permission, anyone can visit the site below.
https://www.girlscouts.org/en/contact-us/contact-us/permission-request.html
Do volunteers need permission to use the logo on patches, T-shirts, banners, or promotional materials?
Yes! Contact GSNI’s Retail Team to learn more about how to work with an approved vendor for this type of merchandise.
Is GSNI on social media?
Please follow Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Encourage your friends and other Girl Scouts (age 13 or older with parental permission) and volunteers to do so, as well. Like and share our posts!
How should I represent Girl Scouts?
Model good online behavior for all Girl Scouts. Be professional and appropriate. Do not write anything that would reflect badly or embarrass Girl Scout members or volunteers. Do not engage in online arguments. Proofread your posts. Review GSNI's Social Media Guidelines.
GSNI Social Media Guidelines
Creating Video for Social Media
Model good online behavior for all Girl Scouts. Be professional, clear and appropriate. Do not shoot a video of anything that would reflect badly or embarrass Girl Scout members or volunteers. Keep videos short, engaging and to the point. Preview your videos before you post. Review GSNI's guidelines.
GSNI Social Media Video Guidelines
Do I need to be sensitive about privacy?
Use Girl Scouts’ first names only. Never publicly post phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses. Get photo permission before posting photos of anyone. Know the privacy settings of your accounts. Do not violate copyright laws. Do not use any images without permission.
Adult Photo Permission
Adult Photo Permission (Spanish)
Youth Photo Permission
Youth Photo Permission (Spanish)
What are GSUSA's policies?
GSUSA is dedicated to serving all members. Girl Scouts families of all backgrounds deserve to feel seen—it's at the heart of creating a safe, inclusive space where every Girl Scout can thrive. We welcome healthy discussion, but we ask that comments and posts are kept relevant and respectful. Check GSUSA's Social Media Community Guidelines here.