DraftVerify Standards Library · F-32

Use of Mark & Certification Policy

F-32 defines the legal and operational rules for using the DraftVerify Certification Mark (“the Mark”).
The Mark signals that an organization consistently complies with the DraftVerify Standard, including tagging, verification, separation, identity handling, and auditability requirements.

Only certified operators may display the Mark.

1. Purpose of This Policy

This document establishes:

Eligibility requirements for certification
Approved usage of the Mark
Prohibited uses
Compliance monitoring
Enforcement actions for misuse
Legal protections and intellectual property rights

The goal is to protect the integrity of the DraftVerify Standard and ensure consumer trust in NA draft identity.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

Breweries
Distributors
Venues
Multi-venue groups
System integrators
Equipment manufacturers (limited contexts)

It governs all usage of:

Logos
Certification labels
Digital badges
Printed identifiers
Website display of certification

3. Eligibility for Certification

To earn DraftVerify Certification, an operator must:

3.1 Implement All Required Standards

Including but not limited to:

F-6 — Keg Identification Standard
F-7 — Coupler Tag Standard
F-8 — Line Identification Standard
F-18 — Venue Setup & Verification Protocol
F-19 — Daily / Weekly Verification Checklist
F-12 / F-13 — Tag Serialization & Activation
F-31 — Audit Log Requirements

3.2 Complete a Formal Audit

A DraftVerify-authorized audit (F-33 / F-37) must confirm:

Correct adoption of physical ID components
Documented verification practices
System logs demonstrating identity handling
Staff training completion (F-23)
No outstanding discrepancies

3.3 Maintain Compliance

Certification is valid only while the operator:

Performs required scans
Updates identity records
Resolves discrepancies
Avoids misuse of the Mark

Annual renewal is required.

4. Certification Levels

4.1 Brewery Certification

Given to breweries that fully implement DraftVerify tagging, serialization, activation, and documentation workflows.

4.2 Distributor Certification

Given to distributors meeting D-Series handling, scanning, transport, and separation requirements.

4.3 Venue Certification

Awarded to venues that maintain NA separation, proper labeling, verification discipline, and complete documentation.

4.4 Multi-Venue Certification

For groups that implement DraftVerify consistently across multiple locations using F-34.

4.5 System Certification (Limited)

Equipment manufacturers may be certified only for:

Compatible couplers
Compatible ID holders
Integrated NFC hardware

Not for operational compliance.

5. Approved Uses of the Mark

Certified operators may use the Mark on:

5.1 Physical Materials

Tap handles (NA-specific)
Menu inserts
Training materials
Staff handbooks
Draft system schematics
Brewery or distributor packaging inserts

5.2 Digital Assets

Website footer or certification page
Ordering portals
Distributor or venue intranet
Social media posts referencing compliance
Verified business profile pages

5.3 Signage

Venue posters or compliance signage
Cooler labeling diagrams
Delivery documents

Every use must be:

Accurate
Non-misleading
Unmodified
Within the approved color and proportion rules

6. Prohibited Uses

The Mark may not be used:

On alcoholic products
On consumer packaging
In contexts implying DraftVerify endorses a brand
In any political, controversial, or unrelated marketing
By uncertified venues or distributors
After certification expires or is revoked
In stylized, recolored, or altered forms
To imply product quality or taste endorsement

Improper use presents legal risk and requires immediate corrective action.

7. Visual & Technical Requirements

Operators must follow the DraftVerify Visual Lexicon (F-10) for:

Color codes
Line thickness
Clearspace
Minimum size
Background contrast
Scaling rules

7.1 No Alteration

The Mark may not be:

Stretched
Cropped
Color-shifted
Layered under effects
Used inside unapproved shapes

7.2 High-Contrast Backgrounds

Only white, black, or DV-approved backgrounds may be used.

8. Certification Revocation

Certification may be revoked for:

Failure to perform verification scans
Missing or compromised Coupler Tags
Repeated mis-taps
Broken NA separation
Failure to maintain audit logs
Using outdated or altered identity components
Misuse of the Mark
Refusal to resolve discrepancies

Revoked operators must:

Remove the Mark from public display within 5 business days
Update digital assets immediately
Stop distribution of mislabeled materials

9. Enforcement

DraftVerify may:

Issue warnings
Require corrective action
Suspend certification pending audit
Revoke certification
Pursue legal action for trademark infringement

Operators must comply with any enforcement request within stated timelines.

10. Intellectual Property Notice

The DraftVerify Certification Mark is:

A protected trademark
Owned exclusively by the DraftVerify Standards Initiative
Licensed only to certified operators

No rights are granted outside this policy.

11. Summary

F-32 defines how certification is granted, used, restricted, monitored, and enforced.

It ensures:

Protection of the DraftVerify identity system
Trust for venues and consumers
Consistency across operators
Clear legal boundaries
High standards of compliance

Certification is a privilege—not a right—and must be maintained through continuous adherence to all DraftVerify Standards.