Use of term 'iNaturalist Ambassador'

General
1

I’ve edited this question because I worded it badly. The main thing I’m asking about is using the term ‘iNaturalist Ambassador’ on the back, as we are all ambassadors. (The logo would be cool, but probably not allowed, but what about the QR code to link to the app)?

I’m part of a small group who organize guided walks for CNC and bioblitzes throughout the year. We’re making t-shirts with our logo on the front and we were wondering if we were allowed to put the iNat logo on it as well? We were thinking of putting ‘iNaturalist Ambassador’ on the back, with or without the logo, depending on what’s allowed. Also thinking of the QR code that links to the app. We currently have buttons with the QR code, but it would make sense to put it on the shirt.

I know the website says we’re not allowed to imply that we’re endorsed by iNat, but is it different now that we’re ambassadors?

What are the rules on this, please?

2

Try to find information in the helpfile, but your case is not mentioned there..

https://help.inaturalist.org/nl/support/solutions/articles/151000169920-kan-ik-het-inaturalist-logo-gebruiken-wanneer-ik-link-naar-inaturalist-

https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/press

3

There are a fair amount of existing forum posts on use of the iNat logo that may have relevant info:

https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/may-i-use-the-inaturalist-logo-to-link-to-project-on-a-blog/2978

https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/inaturalist-logo-as-profile-picture-license-use/61217

https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/can-i-use-the-inaturalist-logo-in-figures-of-research-papers/50509

https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/copyright-of-inaturalist-logo-etc-for-educational-use/8504

Some have staff responses and there may be others.

4

I’m not sure this is what you mean, but if your group is selling T shirts that label the wearer as an iNaturalist ambassador, that would seem to be (1) a misrepresentation and (2) using the logo for unauthorized commercial purposes. Anyway it is good to get this cleared up for future purposes.

5

No, the shirts are only for the three of us, who are all ambassadors

6

OK. Your question in the original post is a good one – is being an iNat ambassador an “endorsement” by iNaturalist? Considering that we have to go though a certification process and be officially designated, this seems legitimate and if it isn’t, we need to get some clarification from iNaturalist.

7

Any idea who to tag to get an answer on this, please?

8

You’re welcome to use “iNaturalist Ambassador” on your shirts. For Ambassadors, we ask that you don’t represent yourself as iNaturalist staff, if anyone asks. You can also use the logo & wordmark (downloadable on the Press page) as long as you use them as-is with no alterations.

Thanks for being an ambassador and holding events! Also feel free to email ambassadors[at]inaturalist.org if you have other ambassador-related questions that you need staff to answer.