In a concerning development, the Welsh government has taken action against several companies caught using its official dragon logo without permission. The revelation came to light through a Freedom of Information request obtained by the BBC, which uncovered 10 instances of the logo’s misuse since 2020.
One of the companies targeted was an “equine massage service” that had been issuing fraudulent certificates to unsuspecting customers. The Welsh government promptly issued cease and desist letters to the firm’s owners, instructing recipients of the bogus diplomas to destroy them immediately.
A government spokesperson emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of its brand, stating that “it is important that citizens can trust information provided by the government under its branding.” They affirmed that robust action would be taken against any improper use by third parties.
The misuse of the iconic Welsh dragon logo was not limited to the equine massage case. The investigation also revealed three companies selling fake diplomas displaying the logo in 2020, as well as three fake Instagram accounts carrying the logo in 2022, which were subsequently removed.
In another incident, an applicant for a catering job had submitted a fake certificate demonstrating pool supervision skills that featured the Welsh government’s logo. The genuine awarding body ordered the applicant to destroy the certificate after being alerted by the government.
The Welsh government’s logo, which features a dragon and a bilingual title separated by a horizontal line, is intended to be used on publications and materials where the government is a significant contributor to the project. Its guidance stipulates that the elements must not be altered, and only black or white colours are permitted.
Over the past five years, there have been eight cases of the logo being used without permission, including by a company offering embroidered images of the ministerial dragon for sale.
The Welsh government has vowed to remain vigilant in monitoring the use of its logo and to take robust action against any improper use to protect public trust in its brand.
