The Economy Rankings License Policy
Official recognition. Consistent presentation. Clear usage rights.
A distinction published by The Economy Rankings is an independent editorial recognition. Recognized institutions may cite their inclusion accurately and link to the published ranking without obtaining a license. For institutions wishing to feature the distinction more prominently, official recognition licenses authorize the display and distribution of The Economy Rankings badges, branded graphics, and approved communications materials.
Licensing is optional and separate from editorial evaluation. It has no bearing on selection, ranking position, or eligibility in future review cycles. The licensing framework protects the presentation of each distinction across communications channels and ensures that official recognition materials remain consistent with the published record. Authorization is specific to an identified ranking and review cycle.
Optional Participation
Publication of a ranking distinction is not conditional on any commercial arrangement. All recognized institutions retain their published listing irrespective of whether they license official recognition materials. Editorial decisions are completed independently of licensing discussions, under the applicable ranking methodology.
An institution may make a factual announcement of its published inclusion on its website or corporate social media channels without a license. The announcement should identify the ranking title, relevant category, tier where applicable, and recognition year, with a link to the original publication where practicable. Naming The Economy Rankings as the publisher is permitted in such factual references. Use of official badges, promotional logos, branded recognition artwork, or approved extended promotional copy requires the relevant authorization. The distinction itself remains unchanged whether or not a license is obtained.
Scope of Authorization
Each license authorizes defined uses of official recognition assets for a specified ranking title, desk, category, and review year. The Digital Badge License covers official box and strip badges displayed on institution-controlled digital channels, including corporate websites, recognition pages, email signatures, and organic social media posts. The Professional Communications License extends these rights to the digital trophy badge and approved use in proposals, RFP responses, presentations, brochures, recruitment materials, and press releases.
The Network Recognition License adds eligible recognition-related circulation across relevant network channels, subject to editorial discretion and without any guarantee of independent editorial coverage. The Institutional Visibility License includes the preceding rights and a reserved physical boardroom plaque. Paid advertisements, sponsored placements, and uses beyond the expressly licensed scope require separate written permission. No license changes a ranking result or permits claims of certification, approval, or endorsement beyond the published distinction. License scope, term, and recognition year must be observed. See the Recognition License Structure for full tier details and the Recognition Use Guide for practical examples.
Brand and Usage Standards
Official recognition assets must be presented faithfully and with appropriate prominence. The Economy Rankings usage standards govern wording, placement, scale, reproduction quality, and context in authorized digital and physical materials. Institutions may not recreate, recolor, crop, or materially modify official artwork without written approval.
These standards ensure that recognition remains identifiable and accurately represented across industries and jurisdictions. Misleading presentation, unauthorized alterations, or uses outside the agreed scope may result in suspension or withdrawal of licensed rights. Consistent use protects the value of the distinction for every recognized institution.
Term and Review Cycle
Licenses are time-limited and apply only to the designated ranking title, desk, category, and recognition year or review cycle stated in the agreement. An annual license does not grant perpetual use of official materials or automatic rights to display a newer year’s recognition. Renewal for subsequent cycles requires renewed authorization and, where applicable, continued recognition.
Rankings reflect an assessment for a particular review period; they are not permanent endorsements. An institution may continue to cite a historical published result accurately, but continued display of licensed materials beyond the authorized term requires renewal. Licensing for a subsequent recognition year is available only where the corresponding distinction has been published and the applicable usage conditions are met.
Recognition Materials
Official recognition materials are provided according to the selected license. Digital Badge includes the box and strip formats with standard wording. Professional Communications adds the digital trophy format and approved communications language. Network Recognition extends eligible recognition circulation; Institutional Visibility further provides the reserved boardroom plaque. All assets identify the specific published distinction and recognition year.
Official materials reproduce a published distinction; they do not confer an additional award or endorsement. Display and distribution remain subject to the licensed scope. Physical production, customization, shipping, duties, and taxes may be addressed separately. For licensing arrangements or proposed uses, contact [email protected].