"Legal status of USCG stripes?" Topic
8 Posts
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| Cke1st | 10 Oct 2007 5:48 a.m. PST |
I'm thinking of entering a gaming contest with a sailing ship inspired by the USCGC Eagle, with the diagonal stripes on the bow. But I don't want to infringe on anyone's copyrights. Are the Coast Guard's stripes (and the name Eagle) copyrighted/trademarked? Are they in public domain due to being part of the government? Or do they possess some arcane legal status that's none of the above? I'm sure someone in TMP will know the answer. Thanks in advance. |
 BrigadeGames  | 10 Oct 2007 6:20 a.m. PST |
Not sure but I think it is more of a recognition on the seas thing. |
| Blackhawk1 | 10 Oct 2007 6:27 a.m. PST |
Paint away… the US gov typically cannot copyright or trademark such things. It is indeed a recognition thing. And considering the amount of models I have seen at various IPMS, etc gatherings painted in USCG colors I doubt you would be bothered with it. About the onoly way I can ever see anyone getting in trouble for such a thing is if one actually had a REAL boat, plane, etc and one painted it to look like a USCG vessel. A mini or a model? naw… |
| Rich Sartore | 10 Oct 2007 6:30 a.m. PST |
The USCG insignia and logos are public domain as they are a US government agency. Using them for the purposes you mention should not be a problem. The only restrictions I am aware of would be painting the diagonal stripes on an actual sailboat or motor vessel that is not a USCG vessel. Of course, that goes back some 30 years to my days in the USCGA so that restriction may have been lifted. |
| phililphall | 10 Oct 2007 7:54 a.m. PST |
U.S.Postal Service has copyright on the way the trucks are painted and the logo. If you've ever noticed the "mailmen" in various T.V. and movies don't wear the Postal Service logo. After 9/11 they no longer allowed the free use of copyrighted logos or paint schemes. |
Wyatt the Odd  | 10 Oct 2007 7:59 a.m. PST |
Paint away. The stripe bit seems to be an international emblem of a coastal service. I was struck by the similarity between the USCG and the Italian Guardia Costiera picture Canadian Coast Guard ships just use a broad, diagonal, stripe picture Wyatt |
| Wyatt the Odd | 10 Oct 2007 8:05 a.m. PST |
Regarding the US Postal Service – its quasi-independent agency, much like Amtrak, as opposed to a governmental department. As such, it can, like a company, copyright its imagery. The US Marine Corps was successful in trademarking "USMC" as it was being used by a company that manufactured gasoline containers. Wyatt |
Dave Jackson  | 15 Oct 2007 8:08 a.m. PST |
FYI, Cke1st, the Canadian Coast Guard has trademarked its markings…..but I doubt we would prosecute anyone for painting a model…(:o)… (worked in the CCG for 28 years now….and counting…) |
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