IYO® TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- INTERNATIONAL YOGA ORGANISATION

- Mar 10, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: Nov 22

Section | Title | Key Points | Elaboration |
Effective Date | Effective Date: March 1, 2022 | The agreement governs the use of websites, registration of Yoga Schools & Teachers on the website or manually provided by IYO® International Yoga Organisation (Owner). It incorporates Terms of Registration and Privacy Policy. | This sets the starting point for the legal agreement. By accessing the website or registering, users agree to be bound by these terms, including additional policies. The Privacy Policy details how personal information is handled, ensuring users consent to data usage for a transparent relationship between the organization and users. |
| 1 | DEFINITIONS | a) Owner, Us, We: Refers to IYO® International Yoga Organisation, its employees, and affiliates. b) You, the User, the Client, IYS®-International Yoga School, IYT®-International Yoga Teacher: Refers to any natural or legal person accessing the website. c) Parties: Collectively, the Owner and You. | These definitions clarify the roles in the agreement. "Owner" encompasses the organization and its team, while "You/User" includes individuals or entities like schools (IYS®) and teachers (IYT®). This prevents ambiguity in interpreting responsibilities, ensuring all parties understand their positions in the contractual relationship. |
| 2 | Termination Policy | a) Inactive schools for 6 months without affiliation or TTC registration lead to termination of IYS®. b) IYS® must register minimum 2 IYT® teachers per month. c) Failure to promote IYO® using logos in marketing results in termination. d) Violations lead to termination without refund (refer to Refund Policy). e) Registration on other platforms for TTC is not allowed. f) Association with competing bodies leads to termination. g) Doubt or distrust towards IYO® leads to termination without refund within 24 hours. | This policy enforces active participation and loyalty. It elaborates on maintaining engagement through regular registrations and promotions, preventing inactivity or competition. No refunds emphasize the seriousness of compliance, protecting IYO®'s brand integrity while encouraging committed partnerships. Violations are handled swiftly to maintain organizational standards. |
| 3 | Support | a) Use of IYO® Logo on templates and social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). b) Use of IYO® syllabus for teaching. c) Support via website, WhatsApp, email, and social media. d) IYT® namaste profile picture displayed on IYS® page for 6 months; student details remain permanently. | Support fosters mutual growth. Elaboration highlights branding tools like logos and syllabus for credibility, with multi-channel assistance for queries. Temporary profile visibility boosts teacher recognition, while permanent details ensure long-term records, enhancing visibility and community building within the yoga network. | The display of the "Namaste" pictures featuring students on the IYT® - International Yoga Teacher and IYS® - International Yoga School directory pages will be visible for a limited duration of 6 months only. After this period, these images will be systematically removed from both web pages due to space constraints. However, for verification purposes, all students' details will continue to be accessible on the IYS® - International Yoga School directory page without accompanying pictures. This ensures that essential information remains available to interested students while optimizing the use of available digital space.
Key Policy Points
Prohibited Use in Certifications:
IYS (schools) are not allowed to include the IYT logo on any certification documents (e.g., diplomas, certificates of completion, or teaching credentials).
Certifications should reflect the educational achievement of the student or teacher, not marketing or promotional branding.
Permitted Use for Marketing:
The IYT logo may only be used for marketing, promotional, or outreach purposes (e.g., websites, social media, brochures, or advertisements).
This ensures the logo serves its intended role as a branding tool to attract students or promote programs.
IYO-certified schools are strictly prohibited from incorporating IYO credentials—including but not limited to names, logos, and any IYO-related information—in any published materials, such as books or other educational content. Furthermore, these schools must refrain from utilizing IYO telephone numbers in all forms of documentation, marketing materials, brochures, templates, or any personal banking and financial transactions.
Engaging in these practices not only constitutes a misuse of IYO credentials but also represents a potential liability for both the school and IYO. Should we identify any instances of such misconduct, we reserve the right to revoke the IYO certification of the offending school and pursue legal action to address the violation. It is imperative that all IYO-certified schools adhere to these guidelines to maintain the integrity and reputation of the IYO certification.IYO-certified schools should not include IYO credentials (Names, logos, and IYO information) in their published books.
The IYO certified schools should not use the IYO phone numbers in any of their documents, marketing materials, brochures, templates, in personal banking or in any financial transactions, with the banking, which is liability and misusing of IYO credentials, If we find such kind activity done of misconduct done, we will terminate such kind of IYO certified school and will take legal action against them.
Why This Policy Matters
Avoid Confusion: Using the IYT logo on certifications might imply an endorsement or affiliation that isn’t intended, potentially misleading students or employers.
Brand Integrity: Each entity (IYO, IYS, IYT) has a distinct role. Misuse of logos could blur these distinctions and weaken the brand’s credibility.
Legal Compliance: Unauthorized use of logos could lead to trademark or copyright issues if not properly governed.
Professional Standards: Certifications should focus on the qualification earned, not promotional material.
Guidelines for Compliance
For IYS (Schools):
On Certifications: Use only the IYS logo or the IYO logo (if authorized) to denote the issuing institution.
On Marketing Materials: Use the IYT logo only if explicitly permitted by IYO/IYT for promotional purposes (e.g., "Trained under IYT-certified instructors").
Always Check: Verify with IYO/IYT for specific usage guidelines, as policies may evolve.
For IYT (Teachers/Trainers):
Use the IYT logo in personal marketing (e.g., resumes, websites, social media) to highlight your certification.
Avoid using the logo on third-party certificates or documents unless authorized.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Policy Violations: Schools or individuals may face warnings, loss of affiliation, or legal action for misuse of trademarks.
Reputation Risk: Misuse could damage trust in the IYO/IYT brand or confuse stakeholders about credentials.
The terms and conditions outlined by the IYO® International Yoga Organisation, the use of trademarked logos—including those for IYT® International Yoga Teacher—is restricted and requires explicit authorization. The policies specify that such logos can be used by IYS® International Yoga Schools for promotional and marketing purposes (e.g., on templates, social media like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn), but there is no provision allowing their incorporation into certifications. Unauthorized use, including alterations or applications beyond approved marketing contexts, is prohibited as it violates intellectual property rights and can lead to termination of affiliation without refund. This aligns with the policy you described, emphasizing marketing as the intended purpose while protecting the integrity of the trademarks.
| 4 | ASSENT & ACCEPTANCE | By using the website or manual registration, you warrant reading and agreeing to the terms. Non-agreement leads to immediate termination. Additional terms may apply based on services. | This requires explicit consent. It elaborates that access or registration implies full agreement, with potential service-specific add-ons forming a binding contract. Immediate termination for non-consent protects the organization, ensuring only compliant users engage. |
| 5 | ABOUT THE SITE | The website handles registration of IYS®, IYT®, TTC, and EIYT 1500 hours. IYO® reserves right to refuse registration. No screening of users; users assume risks. Use only for lawful purposes. | The site focuses on certifications. Elaboration stresses discretionary refusal for quality control, user responsibility for interactions, and lawful use to avoid infringement, creating a safe, regulated environment for yoga registrations without guaranteeing user authenticity. |
| 6 | LICENSE TO USE WEBSITE | Grants non-exclusive, limited license for Owner Materials (e.g., certificates, logos) solely for website use. Terminates on cessation or violation. No unauthorized collection or bypassing measures. | This license is restrictive. It elaborates on using materials like syllabi only for approved purposes, revoking access for misuse to protect resources. Prohibits data harvesting, ensuring ethical use and preventing exploitation of the platform. |
| 7 | INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY | Website and services are Owner's property, including copyrights, trademarks. No unlawful use, reproduction, or distribution without permission. | Protects IYO®'s assets. Elaboration emphasizes ownership of all IP, requiring permission for any use to prevent infringement, maintaining brand exclusivity and legal compliance in the yoga community. |
| 8 | USER OBLIGATIONS | Provide accurate personal information during registration. Notify of compromises. False info or unlawful use leads to termination. Owner can refuse service or edit content. | Users must maintain accuracy. This elaborates on security responsibilities, with termination for breaches to uphold trust. Owner's discretion ensures platform integrity, preventing fraud in certifications. |
| 9 | PAYMENT, FEES & CERTIFICATION | Pay specified fees for registrations. Insufficient payment halts processing. Forms without payment in 24 hours are cancelled. Renewal after 5 years at printing/courier cost (one physical copy of premium certificate). Soft copy free; hard copy 500 INR. Renewal process: Contact IYO®, check requirements, submit application, pay fees. IYO® not responsible for jobs or income; certification for support only. | Fees ensure service continuity. Elaboration details payment timelines, renewal logistics (e.g., soft vs. hard copies), and no job guarantees, clarifying certification as proof of training, not employment assurance, to manage expectations. | If the IYS®-International Yoga School changes its name, a re-registration fee of 2500/- INR applies. Changing the website logo is free, but changing the logo and obtaining premium certification costs 800 INR | If you choose dissolution of your IYS®-International Yoga School, note that the IYT® designation cannot be transferred to a new institution. Please confirm your decision by emailing yoga@iyoworld.com if they wish to dissolve | If they wish to change IYS®-International Yoga School name to new name, which requires new registration under our guidelines. Normally, the affiliation fee is 15,000/- INR, but we're offering a reduced fee of 2,500/- INR due to our long-standing relationship, provided you supply regular students registration to IYO® International Yoga Organisation. To proceed, complete the IYS®-International Yoga School registration form with details for "New Name." Once registered, they will receive both digital and physical certificates sent to their address | The IYT®-International Yoga Teacher can only receive the soft copy after they have applied for registration, along with the hard copies. If they lose the soft copies, they can only obtain them from IYO® International Yoga Organisation again within 1 year of the date of registration. Also, the same clause applies after 5 years of renewal. If the IYT®-International Yoga Teacher comes for the soft copies after one year, they need to process the 400/-INR for their soft copies of the certificates to IYO® International Yoga Organisation.
| 10 | ACCEPTABLE USE | No unlawful or damaging use. Prohibitions include harassment, IP violation, viruses, fraud, obscene material. Additional bans on solicitation, infringement, harassment. Owner can terminate for violations; reviews content but not liable. Comply with laws; no unauthorized content. | Promotes ethical use. Elaboration lists specific bans to prevent harm, with termination rights protecting the community. Users bear sole responsibility, ensuring a respectful, legal platform for yoga activities. |
| 11 | COMMUNICATION | Use implies agreement. Consent to communications (email, WhatsApp, social media posts). No WhatsApp groups; personalized messages to registered numbers. | Facilitates updates. Elaboration consents to multi-channel notifications, avoiding spam classifications, and prefers direct communication for efficiency and personalization in updates. |
| 12 | PRIVACY INFORMATION | Authorize use of info in India/other countries. Collect email, name, address, certificates, etc. Use for experience enhancement. IYO® is NGO under Indian Act, pledged (not certified) with ministries. Logos trademarked; unauthorized use punishable. | Privacy aligns with policy. Elaboration on data collection/use for services, clarifies NGO status and pledges (not direct registrations), emphasizing trademark protection for legal enforcement. |
| 13 | ASSUMPTION OF RISK | Website for communication; no advice given. Use at own risk; Owner not liable. | Disclaims liability. Elaboration stresses informational purpose only, with users assuming risks to limit organizational responsibility in advice or interactions. |
| 14 | DISPATCH OF CERTIFICATES/DELIVERY/RETURN POLICY | Pay courier (2500 INR for International courier, as per country varies). Provide valid details. Refuse for incomplete docs. Contact for issues. New registrations: Return within 24 hours before ID generation or 3 hours post-payment. No refunds after 24 hours or for old registrations. | Handles logistics. Elaboration on shipping fees, refusal rights, and strict refund windows (e.g., no refunds post-24 hours) to streamline processes and prevent abuse. |
| Additional Section | Navigating the Terms & Conditions of IYO® International Yoga Organisation: A Guide for Yoga Schools |
Introduction to terms; significance of agreement; definitions; termination at glance; support and acceptance; license; IP responsibilities; user obligations; fees; acceptable use; communication; conclusion.
| This guide simplifies T&C. Elaboration breaks down key areas for schools, emphasizing compliance for smooth affiliation and community benefits. || Policy | Policy for the Use of IYO® International Yoga Organisation Trademarked Logos | Purpose, scope, definitions, responsibilities, guidelines (authorization, integrity), approval procedure, prohibited uses, compliance, amendments, contact. | Ensures brand integrity. Elaboration requires permission, no alterations, with approval processes and enforcement to protect trademarks legally. |
| Policy | Policy for Displaying IYT® Profiles and Student Information on IYS® Website | Purpose, scope, definitions, responsibilities, displaying picture (6 months), documentation, review. | Standardizes visibility. Elaboration on temporary photo display and permanent details, with logs for accountability in website management. |
| Policy | Policy for Management of Inactive IYS® Registrations | Purpose, scope, responsibility, procedure (monitoring, warnings, removal, reinstatement), review. | Handles inactivity. Elaboration with audits, grace periods, and removal after 2 years to maintain active registry, allowing reinstatement. |
| Policy | Policy for Payment of Registration Fees | Introduction, fee details (IYS® 15,000 INR lifetime; IYT® 3,500 INR), process, notes, contact, amendments. | Outlines payments. Elaboration specifies fees, methods (advance), and certificate issuance, clarifying inclusions and no interactions with students. |
| Policy | Policy for Delivery of Certification | Purpose, scope, responsibility, domestic/international procedures (packaging, charges). | Details shipping. Elaboration on free domestic, 2,500 INR international, with tracking for secure delivery. |
| Policy | Policy for IYO® Yoga Competition Participation | Purpose, scope, eligibility, frequency, responsibilities, application, selection, rules, miscellaneous, contact. | Guides competitions. Elaboration on proofs, limits (4x Indian, 2x international), free certs for Indians, emphasizing fairness. |
| Policy | Policy for IYO® Quiz Contest | Purpose, scope, responsibilities, registration, post-activities, communication, frequency, appendix (rules, eligibility). | Manages quizzes. Elaboration on bi-monthly events, free participation, e-certificates, and no external sources. | | Policy | Policy for Nomination of IYT® Yoga Diamond Ambassadors | Purpose, scope, eligibility, process, application, selection, announcement, terms, contact, control. | Nominates ambassadors. Elaboration requires EIYT1500, experience, awareness spreading, free program for school owners. |
| Policy | Policy for the Nomination of IYT®-International Grandmaster | Purpose, scope, eligibility (15 years, certifications), process, timeline, checklist, info. | For grandmasters. Elaboration needs extensive experience, regular contributions, annual process. |
| Policy | Non-Monopolization of IYS® - International Yoga Schools by IYO® International Yoga Organisation | Purpose, scope, definitions, policy (10km rule), procedures (assessment, application), appeals. | Prevents monopoly. Elaboration enforces 10km separation for competition, using geolocation for fairness. |
| Policy | Termination of IYS®-International Yoga Schools Affiliation | Purpose, scope, definitions, statement (no refund), responsibilities, procedures (investigation, notification). | For duplications. Elaboration protects IP, with immediate cessation and no refunds upon infringement. |
| Policy | Policy for not paying the IYT®-International Yoga Teacher certification fees | Understanding stakes; consequences; keeping honor; preventative measures; conclusion. | Addresses non-payment. Elaboration stresses advance fees, fund allocation to avoid cancellations, maintaining discipline.
| Policy | Policy for examination | The IYT-International Yoga Teacher examination is solely for students in the IYT-International Yoga Teacher course | Evaluating their knowledge and skills in yoga practice and teaching | Students in non-yoga programs must take exams from their IYO-Certified institutions | Which cater to their specific fields | This ensures that evaluations are relevant to their studies. |Policy | Policy for IYS® registration process | The IYO® IYS® registration process is outlined through a series of specific clauses that define the necessary documentation and operational standards. The requirements move beyond a simple checklist to reveal the underlying business model of the organization.
Clause 1: Physical Infrastructure and Equipment. To conduct offline IYO-approved courses and issue certifications, a yoga school must possess a physical location or studio. This location is required to be equipped with essential facilities, including drinking water, and specific yoga apparel and gear, such as T-shirts, yoga dresses, mats, props, and ropes. For specialized courses like IYT® Aerial Yoga, the school must have "proper hammocks". This is a standard and necessary requirement for any physical yoga business, ensuring a baseline level of safety, professionalism, and readiness to conduct in-person training. The explicit inclusion of specialized equipment demonstrates IYO's intention to cater to and credential modern, niche yoga practices.
Clause 2: Teacher Roster. Applicants are required to "appoint the Yoga Teachers" and list their names on the provided form. The application specifies a maximum limit of three teachers [Enter in the form]. This constraint is a unique and defining aspect of IYO's model. The limitation to a maximum of three listed teachers per school suggests that the IYS® designation may be strategically targeted at smaller, new, or boutique studios rather than large-scale, multi-instructor academies. This approach aligns with the organization's business model, as further detailed in its terms and conditions.
Clause 3: Legal & Business Documentation. The application requires legal and business documentation to verify the school's existence. For Indian citizens, this includes an MSME certificate, a Shop license, a Gummasta Copy, or a Corporation certificate. For foreign citizens, "any Govt copies as per the country knobs" are acceptable [Enter in the form]. This is a fundamental and crucial step in any legitimate business affiliation process, serving as a vital safeguard by ensuring the applicant is a legally recognized business entity with the authority to operate.
Clauses 4 and 5: Alternative Documentation. The process offers a crucial and notable degree of flexibility for applicants who may not have the formal business documentation required in Clause 3. In such cases, a prospective school can provide "previous Yoga certificates" [Enter in the form] or even a "citizenship ID card" [Enter in the form]. While this offers accessibility to individuals who may not have formally established a business, it also suggests a lower barrier to entry and a less rigorous verification process compared to a model that strictly requires formal business registration. The reliance on personal documents may not provide the same level of assurance as a legally registered business entity.
Clauses 6, 7, and 8: Visual & Marketing Evidence. The final set of requirements focuses on the school's public-facing presence and brand. Applicants must attach "school pictures for offline" classes, or online class pictures if applicable [Enter in the form]. They must also submit their school logo and "marketing templates which has been used" [Enter in the form]. These clauses serve a dual purpose: they verify the school's physical or online presence and collect materials for IYO's own directory and promotional efforts. This is supported by IYO's terms, which explicitly state that "Failure to promote IYO® using logos in marketing results in termination" of the affiliation. This requirement creates a symbiotic relationship where the school becomes a promotional partner for IYO, and in return, IYO promotes the school.

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