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Blue Button

Logo and Usage

Guidelines for Use

The words “Blue Button,” the Blue Button logo, the Blue Button Combined Logo and the slogan “Download My Data” are what consumers look for when they want electronic access to their health data. You are free to use these Service Marks consistent with the guidelines listed below. Additional information can be found in the Questions and Answer section.

First, the Blue Button Marks are to be used to identify electronic access to health data views, downloads, and transmissions. Health data includes clinical, demographic, financial (explanation of benefits or invoices) and other information related to the health and medical care of a patient.

Blue Button Marks should not be used for other types of data.

Second, patients should be able to read their Blue Button information.

Machine-readable formats are fine, so long as humans can easily read and print, too (e.g. through a freely available viewer).

Third, the Blue Button Marks may not be used in any manner that could give rise to the appearance of endorsement or solicitation on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. Government.

It’s your product or service. Don’t suggest in any way that the federal government or any of its agencies endorse or support your product or service.

Finally, the Blue Button Marks are registered trademarks. Proper use of the Blue Button Marks with the trademark symbol lets everyone know they are legally registered and protected by trademark law.

Use the ® symbol to designate the registered status of the Blue Button Marks. See more details in the Q&As and the Service Mark Use Rules.

* “Blue Button’, the slogan, ‘Download My Data,’ the Blue Button Logo, and the Blue Button Combined Logo” are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”  

Service Mark Use Rules to Follow When Using the Blue Button Marks:

  • Use the ® symbol the first time you use the words “Blue Button” or “Download My Data” in a document or on a page, and make sure the ® appears any time you use one of the graphic Marks. The ® is included in the graphics files we’ve made available elsewhere on this page.
  • The Marks should be used and displayed in their entirety, without variation in design or color, and without other elements superimposed on them. If you’re not printing in color, grey tones can be used instead of blue.
  • Use the following notice nearby — at least on the first page of the use of any of the Marks, or on a credits, page: ‘Blue Button’, the slogan, ‘Download My Data’ the Blue Button Logo, and the Blue Button Combined Logo” are registered Service Marks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • When referring to the marks in text always use the mark as an adjective, not a noun. For example, the Blue Button Electronic Health Record Retrieval System.
  • Should you become aware of any misuse of the Marks, tell us by sending an email to: BlueButtonMarks@hhs.gov. Please include details of the alleged misuse, such as screen shots and copies of the improper use.

Q&As about Blue Button and Service Mark Rules

  1. Q: Who owns the Blue Button marks?

    A: The name "Blue Button," the Blue Button logo, the Blue Button Combined Logo, and the slogan, "Download My Data" are registered service marks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

  2. Q: Why are the Blue Button marks trademarked?

    A: The federal government registered the Blue Button marks to protect their meaning and use, and to provide a way for others who support the Blue Button principles, particularly individual consumer or patient electronic access to their own health information, in a format they can use.

  3. Q: Do I need a written license to use the Blue Button marks?

    A: A written license is not required to use the Blue Button marks. As long as the guidelines and the Rules for Use are followed the Blue Button Marks are available for your use. By using the Blue Button Marks, you agree to follow these guidelines.

  4. Q. What are the Blue Button Marks?

    A: There are four registered service marks and they must be used as shown below.

    • Standard Word Mark: Blue Button
    • Slogan Word Mark: Download My Data
    • Blue Button logo:
      Logo: Blue Button
    • Combined logo:
      Logo: Blue Button - Download My Data

  5. Q: Where can I get graphics files of the Blue Button marks?

    A: Download an entire library of high- and screen-resolution marks [ZIP - 1.9 MB].

  6. Q: The guidelines say that if I use the Blue Button Marks, I must acknowledge them as Service Marks. What does that mean and what do I have to do?

    A: A few simple but important items to remember:

    1. Use the marks as shown above only to identify health data views, downloads and transmissions,
    2. Acknowledge that they are owned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Any other use could create confusion for consumers. Also, follow the Service Mark Use Rules above.