NFC Forum

About the NFC Forum N-Mark

The NFC Forum has developed the “N-Mark” trademark as a universal symbol for NFC, so that consumers can easily identify where their NFC-enabled devices can be used. It is a stylized “N” that has two meanings.

• The N-Mark lets consumers know that NFC services are available on mobile device screens and on posters, signs, badges, labels, etc. It indicates where to touch to enable NFC services. The N-Mark is available free for use in software and on tags and media after completing the N-Mark license.
• The N-Mark on a device indicates that the device has passed NFC Forum certification testing. Once a product is certified, it can display the N-Mark as the touchpoint for NFC interactions on the device. Currently, only NFC Forum members can certify their devices.

Read the N-Mark FAQs for more information.

Guidelines for Using the N-Mark for Tags and Media

The N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Tags and Media establish rules around how the N-Mark may be used in connection with NFC Forum tags. Following these guidelines will create a strong visual global presence for the N-Mark and enable product credibility across the variety of NFC Forum tags available in the marketplace. Read the N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Tags and Media for instructions on using the N-Mark. They are also included in the N-Mark zip file that you can download free after completing the N-Mark license agreement. The N-Mark is used in conjunction with the NFC Forum specifications, which are available for download free after completing the specification license agreement.

The N-Mark may be used on a device only after it has received NFC Forum Certification. See http://www.nfc-forum.org/certification for information on the NFC Forum Certification Program.

Guidelines for Using the N-Mark in Software

The N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Software establish rules regarding how the N-Mark may be used on system-level software or in applications. The goal is to ensure that users know the other devices with which their NFC-enabled devices can interact.

For both system-level software and applications, the NFC Forum N-Mark can only be displayed on the graphical user interface of the NFC-enabled device, and only when NFC functionality, as defined in this document, is supported. Please read instructions either in the N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Software or the N-Mark zip file, both of which you can download at no charge after completing the N-Mark for Software license agreement. The N-Mark is used in conjunction with the NFC Forum specifications, which are available for download at no charge after completing the specification license agreement.

At this time, the N-Mark may be used on hardware only after it has received NFC Forum Certification. See http://www.nfc-forum.org/certification for information on the NFC Forum Certification Program.

How to Get the N-Mark for Use on Tags and Media

The N-Mark is available for use on tags and media through a simple click-through license. The N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Tags and Media are provided with the N-Mark, and users are encouraged to follow the guidelines for implementation to ensure global consistency.

To download the NFC Forum N-Mark for use on tags and media:

1. Read the N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Tags and Media to understand the rules for using the N-Mark for tags and media.
2. Read the click-through license at www.nfc-forum.org/resources/N-Mark/nmark_license carefully.
3. To accept the terms and execute the license, fill in the fields at the bottom of the page and click Accept. The N-Mark Download page is displayed.
4. Click the link to download the N-Mark zip file.

The N-Mark zip file includes the following:

• N-Mark graphic in several file formats
• NFC Forum N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Tags and Media
• Compliance Requirements (includes related specifications and required formats)

How to Get the N-Mark for Use in Software

The N-Mark is available for use in software through a simple click-through license. The N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Software are provided with the N-Mark, and users are encouraged to follow the guidelines for implementation to ensure global consistency.

To download the NFC Forum N-Mark for use in software:

1. Read the N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Software to understand the rules for using the N-Mark in software.
2. Read the click-through license at http://www.nfc-forum.org/resources/N-Mark/nmark_software/ carefully.
3. To accept the terms and execute the license, fill in the fields at the bottom of the page and click Accept. The N-Mark for Software Download page is displayed.
4. Click the link to download the N-Mark for Software zip file.

The N-Mark for Software zip file includes the following:

• N-Mark graphic in several file formats
• NFC Forum N-Mark Trademark Usage Guidelines for Software

Registered Jurisdictions

The license agreement for the NFC Forum N-Mark provides limited indemnification for licensed users of the NFC Forum N-Mark in those jurisdictions where the N-Mark is registered. Licensed N-Mark users are not shielded from liability in jurisdictions where the N-Mark is not registered or in connection with products or services not specified in the registration of that jurisdiction.

The list of countries where N-Mark registration has been completed or is pending was updated in December 2010. Please check back for updates.