"IYENGAR YOGA" IS TRADEMARKED IN THE U.S.

HERE'S WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU: In accordance with his lifetime contribution to the art, science and philosophy of yoga, B. K. S. Iyengar has pursued trademark protection so that yoga associated with his name reflects his work. On August 14 2007, the name "IYENGAR" associated with "YOGA" was registered as a trademark and is protected in the United States.Only Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers are permitted to use "Iyengar Yoga" to describe their yoga programs. Teachers who have passed the first level of assessment may identify themselves as Teachers in Training in the Iyengar method.

Non-certified teachers may not use the term "Iyengar Yoga", or any related terms such as "Iyengar-style" or "Iyengar-influenced", in any form of business advertising or for any program for financial gain. They may only indicate that they have taken classes with an Iyengar Yoga teacher; in teaching they may acknowledge that a certain way of teaching comes from the Iyengar method.

The Iyengar Yoga community welcomes these teachers to participate in our Certification process. That way, they too can earn the right and responsibility to say that they teach Iyengar Yoga.

INFRACTIONS OF THIS TRADEMARK

There have been concerns within our community about non-certified teachers who have stated or advertised that they teach Iyengar Yoga. Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers find it disappointing that others, who have not followed the certification path outlined by Guruji, should claim authority to teach a subject we hold dear.

This patent was applied for at the request of BKS Iyengar and as part of IYNAUS's ongoing efforts to protect the teachings of Mr. Iyengar and the future of Certified Iyengar Teachers and toshow respect for the Certification Mark, which represents years of study,practice and strict dedication to the method.

HOW CAN YOU HELP INSURE PROPER USE OF "IYENGAR YOGA"?

While IYNAUS is a national association, it does not have oversight duties for the U.S. yoga community. In other words, IYNAUS, a volunteer organization, does not have the capacity to police the use of the term "Iyengar Yoga". This patent was obtained for the benefit of our individual teachers. If you encounter or hear about a non-certified teacher using the term "Iyengar Yoga" to promote himself or herself, we are counting on you to help rectify this situation.

Most of the misuses of "Iyengar Yoga" are best worked out locally. In many cases, you, as a Certified Teacher, can contact the person who is misstating their qualifications and inform them about our Certification process, the amount of work required to earn the privilege of using the Iyengar name, and the name of a teacher who can help them become certified if they are interested. Informing this person that it is Mr. Iyengar's request that only Certified Teachers use his name will bolster your case.

However, if this suggestion is uncomfortable for you, please copy and paste the website or flyer indicating the violation and email to the Service Mark & Certification Committee Chair, Gloria Goldberg, trademark@iynaus.org. You will be blind-copied on the letter sent through this committee.

If the infraction continues in spite of these diplomatic efforts to correct it, please re-contact Gloria Goldberg at trademark@iynaus.org. She will initiate legal action.

We hope this clarifies your questions and helps you in protecting your certification and right to use the Certification Mark.