Intellectual Property
	Intellectual Property Rights
	Intellectual Property Infringement
	Use of Logos
	Trade Mark (and Copyright) Licensing
	Product Endorsement
	Accreditation
	Qualifications
	Training Organisations
	Consulting Organisations
	Publications
	International Activities
	Best Management Practice
	Knowledge Centre
	Glossaries of Terms
	Related Links
	Register to Receive

Product Endorsement

Through its contract with OGC, The APM Group runs an Endorsement scheme for products which hold a valid OGC Trade Mark (and Copyright) Licence. Vendors who develop and market their product/s based on or aligned with OGC best practice methodologies can apply to have their products endorsed by APM Group.

In addition, APM Group continues to run a successful evaluation service for project management software tools. The service enables vendors to demonstrate the degree of alignment of their products with the principles of OGC's Best Practice Portfolio.

Download our Best Management Practice Products and Services leaflet (201KB, pdf) for more information on Recognising OGC Official Products and Related Services.

Find more information on endorsement of Software Tools here.

APM Group also administers the ITIL Software Scheme on behalf of OGC. This scheme allows tool vendors to demonstrate the products alignment to the ITIL processes.

Find out more information on the ITIL Software Scheme.

How the Scheme Works

In order to apply for APM Group endorsement, applicants must hold a valid Trade Mark (and Copyright) Licence.

Applicants submit their application for endorsement to APM Group. Applicants are welcome to submit any further material that they feel may support their application.

The endorsement assessment process is a detailed review of the product against strict criteria.The amount of effort required  is determined by the breadth and depth of the product  and will consist of an in-depth review of the product's functionality, adherence to OGC Best Practice, and marketing claims.

The assessor will produce a report based on their findings; this will be sent to the Certification Board for approval, as well as to the applicant. The report will not be shared with any third party. The report will relate the suitability of the product to the full principles of the specified OGC operational guidance, functionality, and claims in the marketing material. The assessment report will be a statement of fact (as judged by the assessor), will not be endorsed by OGC nor will it judge the ranking of the product in its class. 

Once the applicant, assessor and APM Group agree to the contents of the report, APM Group will authorise the applicant to display the endorsement mark on their product. There are as shown below:

Benefits to Customers

• Verification that the product has been quality reviewed and assessed by APM Group
• Reassurance that the product conforms to OGC Best Practice Guidance
• Reassurance that the product meets its marketing claims.

For products that are software tools, please see the separate endorsement schemes:

• Software Tools
• ITIL Software Scheme

For more information about the Endorsement Scheme, please Contact Us.