Transport authority is seeking to engage with tech providers who could help scour the web and app landscape for unauthorised uses of imagery and words that are familiar to millions

Transport for London is planning to appoint a technology partner to help scour apps and the online world for instances of brand infringement – including the tube map, the organisation’s famous roundel logo, and even the words ‘mind the gap’.

Ahead of issuing a formal tender for an “Online Brand Protection Services” agreement, the transport authority is currently undertaking a market-engagement exercise, through which it hopes to hear from potential suppliers and “better understand the market capabilities”.

The proposed contract would task the chosen supplier with “scanning the web and online marketplaces to search for any brand infringements [and] taking down any sites that infringe TfL’s brand”.

This would include monitoring online marketplaces and other websites – both in the UK and globally – as well as mobile apps and posts made to social-media platforms.

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If the deal is ultimately awarded, TfL intends that the chosen provider would use software tools to identify the infringement of a wide range of copyrighted-protected imagery and words.

The engagement notice says: “This service would need to cover protection of the following brands: Transport for London; London Underground; roundel (all circle and bar devices under which are trademarked by TfL, we can provide up to date list of these, including visuals); ‘Mind the Gap’ (both the words and the visuals); heritage posters, Moquette’s, Routemaster and Johnston Fonts (full list and images can be provided); the Tube map; [and] Oyster Card (word mark and visual mark).”

Anyone wishing to take part in the engagement process has until 2 January to register their interest to do so, by emailing TfL commercial manager Lavinia Tidy-Jones, with the words Online Brand Protection Services EOI in the subject line. This message must provide details of the organisation in question, including its website, as well as an email address, and telephone number for a named contact.

TfL will then host individual feedback meetings with each participating firm. The transport body currently plans to issue a contract notice inviting bids around early February 2025.