CME Information Usage Policy

CME INFORMATION USAGE POLICY

(Based on CME Group Information Policies – adapted for Tickblaze as a Vendor of Record)
Last Updated: 04/07/2026

Applies To: All Tickblaze users receiving CME Group market data through the Tickblaze platform.

1. Purpose of This Policy

CME Group requires all licensed vendors and their subscribers to follow the CME Information Policies, which govern how CME real-time market data (“Information”) is accessed, controlled, distributed, reported, and audited.
This Tickblaze policy summarizes the obligations applicable to Tickblaze and its users.
By accessing CME market data through Tickblaze, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the CME Information Policies and this Tickblaze policy.

2. Definitions

Information

Any CME Group market data delivered through Tickblaze, including:

  • Real-time price data
  • Depth-of-market data
  • Order book data
  • Derived data that reflects CME market information
  • Any other CME-provided data products
Distributor / Licensee

Tickblaze, acting as a Vendor of Record, responsible for administering access to CME information.

Subscriber

Any Tickblaze user receiving CME data.

Device / Unit of Count

CME defines each entitled access point as a “unit of count.” Tickblaze reports usage to CME according to this standard.

3. Access Requirements

3.1 Unique Credentials

Each Subscriber must have individual, non-shared Tickblaze credentials. CME strictly prohibits sharing accounts or credentials.

3.2 Entitlement Control

Tickblaze must:

  • Approve and record all data entitlements
  • Maintain secure entitlement systems
  • Track each active unit of count
  • Prevent unauthorized redistribution
  • Produce audit logs when requested by CME
3.3 Revocation of Access

Tickblaze may suspend or terminate CME access if a Subscriber:

  • Provides false information
  • Misclassifies their status
  • Violates this policy or CME rules
  • Fails to maintain required licensing through CME

4. Internal Controls

Tickblaze maintains CME-required internal controls including:

  • Unique, authenticated logins
  • Session tracking and entitlement logs
  • Device-count tracking
  • Audit-ready usage logs
  • Controls to block prohibited features

Tickblaze must provide CME with audit documentation on request.

5. Display vs Non-Display Usage

5.1 Display Usage

Display usage includes data viewed visually through:

  • Charts
  • Quotes
  • DOM ladders
  • Time & sales
  • Workspace visualizations

Display usage does not involve automated decisioning based on CME data.
Tickblaze may provide display usage for qualified Pro and Non-Pro Subscribers.

5.2 Non-Display Usage

Non-Display usage refers to any use of CME data that is not visually displayed, including:

  • Algorithmic execution via non-chart API functionality
  • Automated order routing via non-chart API functionality
  • Automated signal generation via non-chart API functionality
  • Same-day backtesting or automated analysis via non-chart API functionality
  • Data feeding into systems that make trading decisions via API

Non-Display usage requires direct licensing with CME. Tickblaze cannot license Non-Display CME data on behalf of Subscribers.

For clarity, Non-Display usage refers to any CME data usage that is not visually presented on charts or other visual interfaces. This includes any algorithmic trading, signal generation, execution, or analysis using API-based feeds or non-chart-based functionality.

6. How Tickblaze Handles Non-Display CME Data

To comply with CME rules, Tickblaze applies the following enforcement:

6.1 Automatic Blocking by Tickblaze

Tickblaze automatically blocks all non-chart API functionality for CME Group markets, including:

  • Algorithmic trading using CME real-time data
  • Same-day backtesting using CME data
  • Any CME data used within the Strategy Desktop for non-display workflows
  • Any automated execution or signal generation based on CME data
6.2 Permitted Backtesting Window

Subscribers may use CME symbols for backtesting only with data that is at least 24 hours delayed. Same-day CME data may not be used for backtesting.

6.3 Other Exchanges Not Affected

These restrictions apply only to CME Group markets.All non-CME exchanges remain fully accessible as permitted by their respective exchange rules.

6.4 How to Obtain CME Non-Display Access

Subscribers requiring Non-Display API based usage must:

  1. Contact CME directly to obtain a Non-Display license
  2. Complete CME’s external application process
  3. Pay CME’s Non-Display fees directly
  4. Provide Tickblaze with proof of CME approval

Once approved, Tickblaze will enable:

  • Algorithmic trading for CME symbols
  • Same-day backtesting for CME symbols
  • Any other Non-Display CME functionality otherwise restricted

Tickblaze does not control CME timelines, approval decisions, or pricing for this process.

7. Fee Waivers and Internal Display Use

Tickblaze does not determine CME fee waivers. All waivers or reduced-fee programs are controlled solely by CME.

For Non-Display fee developments (e.g., reduced pricing for Non-Pro non-display traders), Subscribers must contact CME directly. Tickblaze cannot process, negotiate, or modify CME fee waivers.

8. Redistribution and Sharing Prohibition

Subscribers may not:

  • Redistribute CME data
  • Share login credentials
  • Output CME data to other users or systems
  • Display CME data within other applications without licensing
  • Store or transmit CME-derived data for third-party benefit

Violations may result in immediate suspension and CME audit penalties.

9. Subscriber Classification Requirements

Subscribers must maintain accurate classification at all times:

  • Non-Professional Subscriber
  • Professional Subscriber

Tickblaze may require re-verification at any time, including via:

  • Status questionnaires
  • Documentary verification
  • CME-required attestations
  • Audit-triggered classification reviews

Misclassification may result in backdated CME billing or termination of CME access.

10. Audits and Compliance Reviews

CME may conduct audits of Tickblaze or its Subscribers.
Tickblaze must provide CME with:

  • User account logs
  • Entitlement records
  • Device counts
  • Usage summaries
  • Non-Display access controls
  • Classification declarations

If CME determines misclassification or unauthorized usage occurred, CME may:

  • Reclassify the Subscriber
  • Assess backdated fees
  • Impose penalties
  • Require Tickblaze to disable CME access

Tickblaze will recover any CME-assessed costs from the Subscriber.

11. Liability for Unauthorized Use

Subscribers are 100% responsible for:

  • The accuracy of their classification
  • The correctness of their disclosures
  • Compliance with CME rules
  • Any financial consequences arising from misuse

If unauthorized Non-Display usage is detected—whether caused by user actions or a technical exception—the Subscriber is responsible for:

  • CME backbilling
  • Administrative fees
  • Reclassification charges
  • Penalties imposed by CME or Tickblaze

Tickblaze may suspend access until all balances are resolved.

12. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated anytime to reflect:

  • CME rule changes
  • License agreement updates
  • Platform entitlement improvements
  • Compliance enhancements

Tickblaze will publish updated versions on our website.

13. Contact Information

For Tickblaze data inquiries: support@tickblaze.com 

For CME data inquiries: marketdata@cmegroup.com