Camera-Ready Logo Revised

from the Fall 1998 issue

Is your laboratory one of the many that has been using the incorrect ICAVL logo on letterhead and reports? If so, you are not alone. A recent informal review of correspondence and reports received by the ICAVL has revealed that a large number of laboratories appear to be using the "ICAVL Accredited Laboratory" logo incorrectly. In an effort to make the "ICAVL Accredited Laboratory" camera-ready logo easier for laboratories to use, the Board Of Directors recently redesigned its appearance.

The new camera-ready logo is very similar to the first logo provided to accredited laboratories. It contains the ICAVL logo surrounded by the words "Accredited Vascular Laboratory." The redesigned logo continues to feature the words "Accredited Vascular Laboratory" but no longer designates the specific areas of accreditation.

In addition to revising the logo, the ICAVL changed its policy regarding distribution of the logo and other materials to enable accredited laboratories to promote their achievement within weeks of earning accreditation. The logo, along with certificates and a media press release, will now be shipped in the accreditation portfolios to laboratories within four weeks of the quarterly decision date. By receiving the accreditation portfolios at an earlier date, laboratories that earn accreditation in one or more areas, but are deferred or delayed in additional areas, may still use the camera-ready logo to announce their accredited status to the public and to the medical community. However, laboratories are prohibited from using the logo on reports or correspondence for areas of testing in which they are not accredited.

The camera-ready logo is the only logo that the ICAVL makes available for use by accredited laboratories. It must be printed in its exact form; only changes in size will be permitted. The official logo without the surrounding words "Accredited Vascular Laboratory" is intended solely for ICAVL purposes and its use remains prohibited. While many laboratories have printed the logo incorrectly, the ICAVL is also aware that several unaccredited laboratories currently publish the ICAVL logo on their materials. In both cases, such misuses of the logo are clear violations of the trademark rights secured by the ICAVL through the United States Patent and Trademark Office. If necessary, the ICAVL will take legal action against any company, laboratory, hospital or other entity violating the trademark rights registered for the ICAVL logo.

The ICAVL does not want laboratories to undergo expensive revision of printed documents due to the redesign of the logo. Any laboratory materials containing the previous version of the camera-ready logo (provided that logo is being used correctly) may be used until the current accreditation expires. The ICAVL encourages all accredited laboratories to display the "Accredited Vascular Laboratory" logo with pride, and we trust that all vascular laboratories share a similar dedication to preserving the integrity of the ICAVL logo. If there are any questions regarding the use of the accreditation logo, or if your laboratory needs a copy of the new logo, please feel free to contact the ICAVL at 410-872-0100.

Want more news?