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A logo is a critical part of any business branding activity. It gives a brand identity, familiarity and recall. The MSME Logo is one that has been designed specifically for the micro, small and medium enterprises sector. Designed by the MSME ministry, the revised MSME logo of the M/o MSME is blue in colour. It was previously available in other colour variations including red, green, back and white etc. Let’s read to learn more about the MSME new logo in India and understand details about who can use the logo, where to download MSME logo png, guidelines and restrictions and more.
MSME logo – An overview
The logo of MSME has been revised numerous times to keep it relevant to current times and adapt to the needs of the times.
The MSME new logo has the National Emblem of India at the centre to denote the identity of the government. The emblem has text surrounding it in English and Hindi (Devanagari script). The English typeface reads Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises while the text in Hindi reads as सूक्ष्म, लघु और मध्यम उद्यम |
As mentioned previously, the new logo is blue in colour (light blue background with dark blue text). Other colour variations are also available.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that as per the new classification of MSMEs, especially after the pandemic, MSMEs includes retailers and wholesalers.
MSME new logo usage permission
What is the purpose of the logo for MSMEs? Who to approach for MSME logo usage permission? These are vital question considering one should know why and when they can use the logo, as MSME logo png, vector, HD or any other format and size.
It is natural to understand why and how a logo might be used. A memorandum on this was shared on November 2008.
For more information on the use of MSME png logo or any other format, visit the MSME website: msme.gov.in/knowledge/logo-support-msme
Here are the key points as outlined in the memo:
- There are often events organised by different associations for the development of the MSME sector.
- Such events often provide businesses with a platform to showcase their strengths, achievements, products and services, and more.
- While in most cases the government and Ministry would support such initiatives, there needs to be caution taken on how and when the MSME logo images can be used. Care should also be extended to the mention of the Ministry in supporting such events to prevent misuse of the Ministry’s name/logo or any public misgivings.
Permission for use of MSME certified logo can be obtained from the Ministry with the approval of the Secretary (MSME). This is required to prevent any misuse of the MSME new logo.
Guidelines for requesting logo usage permission
As mentioned previously, whether you want to use the MSME logo hd, MSME logo png, MSME logo vector or any other format, you will have to get approval. In the same office memorandum, the guidelines for MSME logo usage approval were also highlighted.
- Permission for the use of logo (MSME logo pdf or images) or mention of the support of the Ministry of MSME shall be for domestic events only, i.e., events in India.
- Before recommending an event (for approval of logo or name usage) the details and antecedents of the organising agency must be verified. This is to ensure that the said agency is registered, has a reliable track record, has the capacity to execute such an event, and is engaged in activities for the promotion of the MSME sector.
Once the request is received, it will be reviewed. The permission to use the new logo for MSMEs will be granted keeping the following in mind:
- The entity using the logo must be mindful and respectful of the guidelines of emblem usage as per the act.
- Logo and Ministry name should only be used for promotional and non-commercial purpose.
- The Ministry or any of its organisations (i.e., DC MSME, KVIC, Coir Board, NSIC, and others) should be associated with the event.
- The name of the Ministry and its participating organisations should be clearly displayed at the event.
There are other guidelines that the event organising agency has to keep in mind when requesting permission for MSME logo usage. For more details, please visit the MSME website.
Who can use logo of MSME?
‘Who can use MSME logo’, ‘Can company use MSME logo?’, ‘Can I use MSME logo?’ – These are valid questions that as a MSME owner you must be having. In general, it should be understood that the official MSME logo can be used with approval. Though there are different websites for MSME logo download, understand that it does not permit usage on digital and print medium.
As explained in the above section, to use the MSME logo in any non-commercial and promotional events/activities (e.g., any marketing collateral for MSME) it is necessary to request permission from the right authority.
This holds true for the MSME brand name logo and for logos of all its organisations. For instance, the DC MSME (Development Commissioner of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) lists the following guidelines and details about its logo (Dt: March 2019):
- The new logo can be used for all activities of the organisation under the control of the Development Commissioner (MSME)
- There are two versions of the logo – Black & White and Colour (maroon)
- The Black & White version can be used in uni-colour publications while the Colour version can be used for multi-colour publications
- For websites and other digital medium, the Colour version is to be used
- Care should be taken to keep the aspect ratio of the logo image intact (especially when resizing)
- Guidelines for state emblem usage should be followed
- For items not covered in the circular, prior permission required
Closing thoughts
The role of MSMEs in India’s development cannot be overemphasized. MSMEs contribute to India’s GDP, and considering their presence across the country (even remote regions), MSMEs role in rural India development is also noticeable.
The government too is introducing new schemes and policies and learning centres to enable MSME growth (e.g., MSME Tool Room in Kolkata, MSME certification programmes etc.) . There are also technology centres (e.g., MSME Technology Centre Bhopal) and support centres (e.g., MSME DFO Chennai office) and MSME helpline numbers – all designed to facilitate the growth of MSMEs.
It’s therefore important that wherever the logo of MSME is being used, it should be done with caution. The logo is more than an image – it’s a symbol of trust.
As a business owner or any other, when you use the MSME new logo, it’s imperative therefore that you ensure you have the permission and follow the usage guidelines.
