Trademark Policy

At Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc., protecting the integrity of our certification is at the core of our mission. The Certified Traceable Shrimp™ name, seal, and certification logos are federally protected trademarks owned by Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc., a nonprofit organization.

These trademarks represent more than just a logo — they stand for trust, transparency, and traceability in America’s shrimp industry. To maintain consumer confidence, only approved and licensed partners may use the Certification Marks in accordance with our official Certification Mark Usage Policy.

 

Our Trademarks

 

 

  • Certified Traceable Shrimp™ (word mark)

  • The Certified Traceable Shrimp™ Seal (graphic logo)

  • Related logos, seals, and QR-code verification marks

 


All marks are the exclusive property of Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc. and may not be used without written permission or a valid certification license.

 

Who Can License the Marks?

The Certification Marks may only be used by:

 

  1. Shrimpers (Boat Owners / Producers) who register their vessels, complete our certification process, and maintain compliance with catch logging, audits, and traceability requirements.

  2. Restaurants / Foodservice Providers that source Certified Traceable Shrimp™ and agree to display QR codes and seals responsibly to consumers.

 


All licensees must sign our Certification Agreement, comply with audits, and pay the required annual licensing fee.

 

Licensing Fees

To make certification widely accessible while maintaining strong enforcement and program sustainability, licensing fees are as follows:

 

  • Shrimpers (Boat Owners): $250 annually per vessel

  • Restaurants (Foodservice Establishments): $750 annually per location

 


These fees support certification management, QR traceability technology, ongoing audits, and consumer awareness campaigns that protect the integrity of the seal.

 

Permitted Uses of the Certification Marks

Licensed partners may use the Certification Marks in approved ways, including:

 

  • Shrimpers: On boat signage, catch packaging, invoices, websites, and marketing materials directly tied to Certified Traceable Shrimp™.

  • Restaurants: On menus, in-store signage, websites, digital ads, and marketing materials that promote certified shrimp dishes.

 

 


Prohibited Uses

Licensees may not:

 

  • Use the Certification Marks on non-certified shrimp or unrelated products.

  • Alter or modify the Certification Marks in any way.

  • Suggest that certification applies to an entire restaurant or menu unless all shrimp served is certified.

  • Allow third parties to use the marks without approval from CTS.

 


Violations may result in suspension, revocation, or legal enforcement action.

 


Enforcement & Monitoring

 


To protect consumers and honest participants:

 

  • Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc. actively monitors use of the Certification Marks.

  • Unauthorized or misleading use will result in enforcement actions, including license termination and possible legal remedies under U.S. trademark law.

  • Certified partners may be audited at any time to ensure compliance.

 

 


Why Licensing Matters

 


The Certified Traceable Shrimp™ seal is more than a logo — it’s a promise to consumers.

 

  • It assures that shrimp is caught responsibly, traceable from boat to plate, and free from unethical practices.

  • It protects participating shrimpers and restaurants by distinguishing them from unverified imports or untraceable products.

  • It ensures that every time a consumer sees the seal, they can trust it.

 

 

Contact Us

For questions about licensing, trademark use, or certification requirements, please contact:


Certified Traceable Shrimp Inc.

8 The Green, Suite A

Dover, DE 19901

Email: legal@certifiedtraceableshrimp.com