The Business Development Association (BDA) is the global authority for setting business development standards and issuing professional certifications and accreditations. As an internationally recognized organization registered in the United Kingdom, all trademarks, logos, certification names, and frameworks such as BDA BoCK® are considered protected intellectual property under UK law and international intellectual property regulations.

This policy governs the use of BDA’s trademarks and intellectual property, ensuring they are applied correctly, fairly, and lawfully. The purpose is to protect the credibility, recognition, and trust associated with BDA’s certifications and accreditations worldwide.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• Individuals holding BDA professional certifications (BDA-CP™, BDA-SCP™).

• Members in BDA membership programs (individual or corporate).

• Accredited institutions (AAI™, AIDP™, COE™, CSIS™, RPDE™).

• Authorized partners (ECP, PDP, CT, AKP, SAP).

• Approved trainers and facilitators.

Intellectual Property and Trademarks

1) The following marks are registered and owned by BDA:

• BDA®
• BDA BoCK™
• BDA Business Development Certified Professional (BDA-CP)
• BDA-SCP
• Accreditation programs: AAI™, AIDP™, COE™, CSIS™, RPDE™

They are trademarks owned and registered by BDA.

2) All training materials, guides, models, and exam content (including the BDA BoCK® Guide) are copyrighted works and may not be reproduced, distributed, or modified without prior written consent from BDA.

3) Any unauthorized use, alteration, or misrepresentation of BDA’s intellectual property constitutes a violation of intellectual property rights and may result in legal action.

Rules for Logo and Trademark Usage

1. Certification Logos (BDA-CP™, BDA-SCP™)

   • May only be used by individuals who have earned and currently maintain their certification.

   • Logos must be removed once certification has expired or is not renewed.

2. Accreditation Logos (AAI™, AIDP™, COE™, CSIS™, RPDE™)

   • Accredited institutions may use the corresponding logo in official marketing materials and websites, provided they comply with BDA’s brand identity guidelines.

   • Use is strictly limited to the approved scope of accreditation and must not imply broader recognition than granted.

3. BDA Master Logo

   • The primary BDA logo may only be used with prior written authorization, except for formally approved uses by authorized partners.

Prohibited Uses

• Reproducing or distributing BDA’s educational or exam content without authorization.

• Using trademarks on products or services not officially linked to BDA.

• Altering logos, changing colors, or merging BDA marks with other logos.

• Claiming or suggesting certification, membership, or accreditation that has not been officially awarded.

Protection and Enforcement

BDA actively protects its intellectual property rights worldwide. Measures include:

• Continuous monitoring of unauthorized use.

• Issuing cease-and-desist notices to violators.

• Pursuing legal proceedings under UK law and international intellectual property treaties when necessary.

Reporting Misuse

BDA encourages individuals and organizations to report any misuse or unauthorized use of its trademarks or logos by contacting: legal@bda-global.org