Who Owns ISO 9001?
The question of "Who owns ISO 9001?" is a common one, especially for businesses looking to implement or understand this globally recognized quality management system standard. Many people assume a single company or government entity holds the copyright or exclusive rights. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced and ultimately beneficial for businesses worldwide.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
The short and most direct answer is that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) owns the ISO 9001 standard. But it's crucial to understand what this means.
ISO is not a company, nor is it a governmental body. It's an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes international standards. Think of them as a global facilitator and consensus-builder for standards development.
Here's what that means in practice:
- Global Collaboration: ISO 9001, like all ISO standards, is developed through a consensus process. This process involves experts from member national standards bodies, industry, government, and consumer groups from around the world.
- Non-Profit Entity: ISO itself does not manufacture products or provide services. Its primary role is to create the framework for standards that organizations can then adopt.
- No Direct Profit from Standards: While ISO does generate revenue from the sale of its standards through its member bodies, the organization itself does not profit directly from the application or implementation of ISO 9001 by individual companies. The revenue generated helps fund the development and maintenance of all ISO standards.
National Standards Bodies and Their Role
While ISO develops the standard, it doesn't directly sell it to businesses in every country. Instead, ISO works through its member national standards bodies. In the United States, the primary member body is ANSI (American National Standards Institute).
ANSI, in turn, accredits other organizations that are authorized to sell the ISO 9001 standard within the US. This means that when you purchase a copy of ISO 9001 in the United States, you are typically buying it from a reseller or a national standards body that has acquired the rights to distribute it from ISO. This revenue sharing supports the continued work of both ISO and its member bodies.
Key Takeaways on Ownership:
- ISO is the developer and owner. They hold the intellectual property rights.
- It's a public standard. Once developed, it's made available for adoption by organizations globally.
- No single entity "controls" it for profit. The system is designed for broad accessibility and improvement.
What Does "Owning" Mean in This Context?
When we say ISO "owns" ISO 9001, it means they:
- Oversee the development and revision process.
- Hold the copyright and intellectual property.
- Grant rights to national standards bodies for distribution.
- Maintain the integrity and consistency of the standard globally.
It's important to distinguish this from proprietary software or a patented invention. ISO 9001 is a framework, a set of guidelines, and a management system model. Businesses adopt and implement it, but they don't "own" the standard itself.
Can Businesses "Own" an ISO 9001 Certification?
This is another important distinction. While a company doesn't own the ISO 9001 standard, it can achieve and maintain ISO 9001 certification. This certification is issued by independent, accredited third-party certification bodies after an audit confirms that the company's quality management system meets the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard.
The certificate itself is proof of compliance and a valuable asset, but it doesn't grant ownership of the standard. It signifies that the organization has successfully implemented the principles outlined in the standard.
The beauty of ISO 9001 lies in its universal applicability and the fact that it's a global consensus standard, owned by an international body dedicated to promoting quality and efficiency across industries.
In Summary:
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the owner of the ISO 9001 standard. They are a global, independent, non-governmental organization responsible for its development and maintenance. While they own the standard, it is made available to organizations worldwide through their member national standards bodies, such as ANSI in the United States, allowing businesses to improve their quality management systems and achieve certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I get a copy of the ISO 9001 standard?
You can purchase an official copy of the ISO 9001 standard from your national standards body or accredited resellers. In the United States, you can typically obtain it through organizations accredited by ANSI, such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or directly from ANSI.
Why is ISO 9001 not owned by a private company?
ISO 9001 is not owned by a private company to ensure its accessibility and neutrality. As an international standard developed by consensus, it's intended to be a framework for global quality management that benefits all types of organizations, not a proprietary tool for a single entity's profit.
What is the role of ANSI in relation to ISO 9001 in the US?
ANSI is the member body of ISO in the United States. While ISO develops the standard, ANSI plays a crucial role in representing US interests in the development process and accrediting organizations that can certify companies to the ISO 9001 standard. ANSI also facilitates the availability of ISO standards within the US market.
