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Logos
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) owns three distinct logos used primarily to promote and market Singapore’s leisure and business offerings. These represent the organisation, the destination brand, and its affiliated organisation, the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB), respectively.
What are the Conditions of Use of STB-owned Logos?
Approved projects will be bound by a logo usage license agreement. Full terms and conditions will be provided, but they primarily include the following:
STB grants to the Company at no cost a royalty-free, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sub licensable and limited licence to use the Logos in Singapore (the “Territory”), for the sole purpose of promoting and marketing Singapore’s leisure and/or business offerings.
The Company shall not alter or modify the Logos, or use any other signs, logos, trademarks or branding in connection with the Logos, without the prior written approval of STB.
The Logos shall not be used in any manner which would bring them into disrepute or otherwise reduce or diminish the goodwill, reputation, image or prestige of the Logos and/or STB.
All artwork, collaterals, content and material created and developed for the Purpose of the Agreement which use, contain or make reference to the Logos must be submitted to STB for approval at least four (4) weeks before the intended use of the Logos is carried out, displayed, performed and/or published online or offline.
How do I apply for the use of STB-owned Logos?
Industry partners seeking permission to use any STB-owned Logos for their projects will be evaluated against STB’s strategy and priorities.
You may submit your request through the STB divisions or departments you are working with. The request should include information on:
the project background;
and the intent of logo usage and relevant details on logo usage (including but not limited to how the logo will be featured on marketing collaterals and the duration of logo usage).
The Merlion Symbol
The Merlion Symbol
STB promotes the use of the Merlion Symbol as a symbol of Singapore appearing in works incorporating the symbol or any representation resembling it (e.g., commercial product packaging, artwork, etc.). Any individual, organisation, or company ("User") may apply to STB for permission to use the Merlion Symbol or a symbol or representation resembling it.
STB administers the statutory protection of the Merlion Symbol under Section 39 of the Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963. This protection includes the following key points:
STB does not own copyright for variations of the Merlion Symbol, unless these variations were specifically commissioned by STB.
STB does not own copyright for any works which incorporate variations of the Merlion Symbol.
Users are solely responsible for obtaining any other necessary approvals, permissions, and licences as may be required under law, e.g., Copyright Act 2021.
When is an application not required?
Any product intended for use primarily as a (i) souvenir (e.g. key chains, cup coasters, letter openers, paperweights, refrigerator magnets, bookmarks), (ii) product packaging promoting Singapore as a tourist destination or (iii) collateral for a tourism event (including business tourism events), does not require application.
Any photograph or film intended for use in a manner that does not represent or cause perception of association with, endorsement by or promotion of any commercial product or event, e.g. photography with the Merlion statue for a family album does not require application.
However, every User must still comply with the Conditions for the Use of Merlion Symbol (except on conditions nos. 3 & 4, refer to section below).
When will use of the Merlion Symbol be denied permission?
Any application for exclusive use of the Merlion Symbol or of a particular symbol or representation resembling it.
Any application that seeks to use the Merlion Symbol or a symbol or representation resembling it for the purpose of a trademark or as part of a logo, or use the Merlion Symbol in a manner that may cause the Merlion Symbol to be confused or associated with the applicant rather than STB or Singapore. Please note that STB has various trademark protections over the Merlion Symbol and the word “Merlion”.
Any application that seeks to use the Merlion Symbol in relation to any fresh food, medical product or any other product for which there may be substantial potential risk to consumers.
Any application that seeks to use the Merlion Symbol or a symbol or representation resembling it for religion and politics.
What are the Conditions of Use of the Merlion Symbol?
The User shall ensure that the Merlion Symbol is used only for the purpose and manner for which permission has been granted.
The User shall ensure that the Merlion Symbol is used in good taste. Any question as to whether a use is in good taste shall be referred by the User to STB, and shall be decided at the sole discretion of STB.
The User shall ensure that the Merlion Symbol is reproduced in full in the identical form for which permission has been granted.
The User shall ensure that the Merlion Symbol is not joined with, blocked by or superimposed with words, graphics or similar objects for which no permission has been granted.
The User shall ensure that the Merlion Symbol is not used in a manner that represents or is perceived as association with, endorsement by or promotion by STB or Singapore in respect of any commercial product or event unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The User shall ensure that the Merlion Symbol is not used in a manner that represents or is perceived as association with, endorsement by or in promotion of activities which are illegal or likely to bring into disrepute or otherwise reduce or diminish the goodwill, reputation, image or prestige of STB or Singapore.
The User shall ensure that permission granted may not be transferred or assigned, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of STB.
Where the User contravenes any of these Conditions of Use, permission of STB is deemed to be withdrawn for the purposes of Section 39 of the Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963 and any further use of the Merlion Symbol shall cease until STB is notified and its written permission, if any, is given.
This grant of permission may be withdrawn or modified, whether by imposition of further conditions or otherwise, at the sole discretion of STB.
Do I have to pay for the use of the Merlion Symbol?
There are no application fees.
Contact Information
For any clarifications on the use of the Merlion Symbol, please email STB_Merlion@stb.gov.sg.