Use of flags in graphics

[EmailPoster]

If someone could answer this Use of flags in graphics question....

If someone could answer this question it would be terrific. There has
been a common practice of late - to merge flags from many different
countries, into one graphic -- that is then used in brochures and
marketing material. I am trying to find a definitive answer as to the
guidelines for this type of use.

It has always been my understanding that a flag is a protected graphic,
and as such should never be graphically altered, either the colors - or
merging with other flags. Each flag may be shown in a group - but all
flags should be of equal size, and the integrity of these flags not
altered.....

Is there anything, anywhere that actually defines use?????

Thanking you in advance

Kindest regards
Ev

[sarahw]

Hi, Evelyn,

Out of respect for national symbols (our own and other nations'), I would hesitate to alter or combine national flags in a graphic. There's no trademark on the flag, but that doesn't mean we should go around changing the colors.

The flag code has this to say about using the flag in marketing materials:

Any person who, within the District of Columbia, in any manner, for exhibition or display, shall place or cause to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, or any advertisement of any nature upon any flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America; or shall expose or cause to be exposed to public view any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign upon which shall have been printed, painted, or otherwise placed, or to which shall be attached, appended, affixed, or annexed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, or drawing, or any advertisement of any nature; or who, within the District of Columbia, shall manufacture, sell, expose for sale, or to public view, or give away or have in possession for sale, or to be given away or for use for any purpose, any article or substance being an article of merchandise, or a receptacle for merchandise or article or thing for carrying or transporting merchandise, upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign, to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court.

Which most cautious people take to mean don't use the flag in advertising, or if you do, don't alter it, write on top of it, or do anything else to change its meaning (and certainly don't make clothes out of it!)

So, again, out of respect I would keep each flag distinct and make them all about the same size if possible.

If anyone else has theories/opinions about the use of flags in advertising and other materials, I'd love to hear them.

Sarah