Updated Guide to Use of the CFP Board Certification Marks

Earlier this summer, the legal protections for the CFP Board Certification Marks were strengthened when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registered the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® mark.

At first glance, you may miss seeing the new ® symbol rather than a ™ symbol after the phrase. But this small symbol change marks a significant achievement for CFP Board, CFP® professionals and the American public. It means the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® mark has earned a level of recognition broadly associated with CFP Board, CFP® certification and CFP® professionals. It also means we have stronger standing to protect the commitment to the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® mark that more than 100,000 CFP® professionals have made.

We are pleased to share with you an updated Guide to Use of the CFP Board Certification Marks that reflects the registration of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® mark. CFP Board is so committed to proper use of our certification marks because it is the first line of defense in protecting the brand and its value for CFP® professionals. If you are displaying the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® mark online or in print and multimedia materials, please use the ® symbol and follow the other guidelines for use of the CFP Board certification marks. Please also update any currently existing materials that currently use the ™ symbol.

If you have any questions about CFP Board's trademark usage guidelines, please reach out to us at 800-487-1497 or [email protected].

USPTO's registration of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® mark reflects the dramatic rise in stature of CFP® certification. We are honored to support your commitment to CFP® certification as the standard for competent, ethical financial planning.