Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Two major construction training organisations are locked in a trade mark dispute over rival “skills passports”. Awarding organisation NOCN has accused the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Ltd of infringing its registered trade mark through the use of the term for its digital carding system. A cease and desist letter sent on behalf of NOCN, seen by FE Week, argues that CSCS’s use of “skills passport” is identical or highly similar to its own registered trade mark, and is being used for “identical or similar” services, creating a “likelihood of confusion”. NOCN confirmed it had also launched opposition proceedings against CSCS’s own trade mark application with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). However, CSCS has rejected the claims and considers NOCN’s allegations to be “entirely without merit”. A spokesperson added the term “skills passport” was a “generic, descriptive phrase and we do not accept that it is appropriate for any single organisation to claim exclusive rights over its use”. Escalating dispute NOCN has held a registered trade mark for “NOCN skills passports” since August 2024, which covers digital platforms for storing and managing skills and qualifications information. The organisation said it registered the trade mark following several years of development of digital competency records linked to construction certification schemes. It added that discussions with CSCS about a potential joint approach to a digital scheme had taken place but “fallen away”, with CSCS subsequently launching its own product using the term. NOCN said it believed legal action was necessary to “avoid confusion for operatives about providers and protect their interests”. NOCNs registered skills passport trade mark left alongside CSCSs app branding centre and right Its lawyers have called on CSCS to cease using the term or face further legal action, such as an injunction or litigation for damages. In a statement, NOCN said: “Regrettably, we have been given no choice but to serve a cease and desist letter as a first step in a legal process against CSCS. We confirm that we have also commenced opposition proceedings against CSCS at the UKIPO. “We believe this action to be necessary so as to avoid confusion for operatives about providers and protect their interests, given both NOCN Group and CSCS operate within the construction sector.” NOCN also requested FE Week remove a related opinion article. The publication declined. Digital services that collate and display learners’ qualifications are increasingly used across the skills sector. Proponents believe such systems improve verification and reduce fraud, particularly in safety-critical industries. CSCS pointed to multiple examples of similar services already available, including initiatives from awarding bodies, employers and regulators. The government recently signalled its intent to “explore the development of skills passports” to support unemployed people into work in its post-16 education and skills white paper. But NOCN believes CSCS’s version amounts to a trade mark infringement due to alleged branding similarities and use of the phrase “skills passport”, which its lawyers said is “aurally identical” to its registered mark.