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Miscellaneous
Policy Matters. 19. The Rotary Name and Emblem Use
of the Name “Rotary” and “Rotarian”
When used by it self, the word “Rotary” normally refers to the entire
organization, Rotary International. It also means the ideals and principles of
the organization. Use of the word “Rotary,” by itself, is limited to those
uses approved in the constitutional documents of RI or as authorized by the RI
Board. No club or group of clubs should adopt or operate under any name other
than that name under which it or they were organized under the RI constitution
or by-laws. The term “Rotarian” is used exclusively to designate a member of
a Rotary club and in the name of the official magazine, THE
ROTARIAN. Use
of the Name and Emblem by Rotary International The
by-laws of Rotary International specifically provide for the RI Board to oversee
the use of the emblem. Section18.010. of the by-laws provides the following: “Preservation
of RI’s Intellectual Property.
The board shall maintain and preserve an emblem, badge and other insignia of RI
for the exclusive use and benefit of all Rotarians.” Therefore, the RI Board
is entrusted with plenary authority to maintain, preserve and otherwise protect
the use of RI’s intellectual property marks. Protection
of the Name and Emblem by Rotary International The
name and emblem of Rotary International are registered in over 30 countries.
This number increases on an annual basis. The registration of RI’s
intellectual property marks enhances the association’s exclusive use of the
marks and strengthens RI’s position to prevent misuse by other individuals and
entities. In addition to registrations, various national laws and judicial
decisions enhance RI’s protection of its marks. Use
of the Name and Emblem by Rotary Districts Rotary
districts are authorized to use the name and emblem on district projects or
programs, provided they are approved by the governor under the guidance of the
RI Board. Districts are not authorized to call a district-only
or
multi-district
project or program a
“Rotary program” without a specific qualification, such as “Rotary
District 0000 Tree Planting Program.” (96) The activity must relate directly
to the district(s) involved. Use of the word “Rotary” is not authorized in
connection with or in the name of any activity which is not under full control
of a club or group of clubs or in connection with or in the name of any
organization which includes non-Rotarian individuals or organizations. (60) There
is no objection to a district’s use of the name “Rotary” in connection
with district foundation activities, provided: 1)
such use relates the activity to the district concerned and not RI; 2)
the
word “International” is not used in connection with or in the name of the
district foundation activity; 3)
the
name of the district foundation activity begins with the name of the district
designation; 4)
the
words “Rotary” and “Foundation,” when used in connection with a district
foundation activity, are separated in the name of the activity. (63)
All governors are encouraged to purchase Rotary emblem merchandise only
from authorized licensees of RI.(94) It is recognized that there will be
occasions
when Rotarians will need to produce customized Rotary emblem merchandise for a
specific event or purpose. All Rotarians are asked always to first seek out
licensed Rotary vendors for this customized Rotary emblem merchandise and to
seek such merchandise from a non-licensee only when such merchandise is not
reasonably available from a licensed vendor. In each case, the non-licensed
vendor must obtain the specific approval of the RI Licensing Section for the use
of the emblem. (94) Districts
may sell merchandise containing the emblem without a license when they are
promoting district projects of a limited duration. Such merchandise sold in
conjunction with such special projects must include the name of the district,
reference to the fundraising project, and the duration or date of the project.
(93) Merchandise not meeting these
criteria must be licensed by RI. Use
of the Name and Emblem by Rotary Clubs Section
18.020. of the RI by-laws provides the following statement pertaining to the use
of the name and emblem by clubs: “Restrictions
on the Use of RI’s Intellectual Property. Neither
the name, emblem, badge or other insignia of RI nor of any club shall be used by
any club or by any member of a club as a trade-mark, special brand of
merchandise or for any commercial purpose.” Neither a Rotary club nor any
person is entitled to use the Rotary emblem as a mark for the sale of
merchandise. The emblem should not be used with any other emblem in a manner
that leads the viewer to conclude that there is a relation-ship between RI and
the party or institution symbolized by the other emblem. Where Rotary clubs
obtain the cooperation of other local organizations — commercial or
otherwise— there often are requests for the Rotary emblem to appear with
other
emblems or designs. The RI constitutional documents do not recognize such uses
and the RI Board has denied permission for the emblem to be used in conjunction
with other emblems, no matter how worthy the cause. (39) When clubs work with
other entities on other projects, the overall design of the object on which the
emblem appears should be such that the two emblems are not used in combination.
It is best under such circumstances that the identity and duration of the
project be specified. The name of the participating Rotary club(s) must, of
course, be clearly expressed. Use of the word “Rotary” in connection with or
in the name of an activity of a club or group of clubs must relate the activity
directly to such club or groups of clubs and neither directly nor indirectly to
RI. Clubs are not authorized to call a club-only
or
multi-club
project or program a
“Rotary program” without a specific qualification such as “Rotary Club of
______ Tree-Planting Program.”(96) Use of the word “Rotary” is not
authorized in connection with or in the name of any activity which is not under
full control of a club or group of clubs or in connection with or in the name of
any organization, the membership of which includes non-Rotarian individuals or
organizations. (60) There
is no objection to the use by a club or group of clubs of the name “Rotary”
in connection with club foundation activities, provided: 1)
such use relates the activity to the club(s) concerned and not to RI; 2) the word “International” is not used in connection with or in the name of a club foundation; 3) the name of the club foundation activity begins with the name of the club designation; 4) the words “Rotary” and “Foundation,” when used in connection with a club foundation activity, are separated in the name of the activity. (63) Clubs
are encouraged to purchase Rotary emblem merchandise only from authorized
licensees of RI. (94) It is recognized that there will be occasions when
Rotarians will need to produce customized Rotary emblem merchandise for a
specific event or purpose. All Rotarians are asked always to first seek out
licensed Rotary vendors for this customized Rotary emblem merchandise and to
seek such merchandise from a non-licensee only when such merchandise is not
reasonably available from a licensed vendor. In each case, the non licensed
vendor must obtain the specific approval of the RI Licensing Section for the use
of the emblem. (94) Rotary
clubs may sell merchandise containing the emblem without a license when they are
promoting club projects of a limited duration. Such merchandise sold in
conjunction with such special projects must include the name of the club,
reference to the fund raising project, and the duration or date of the project.
(93) Merchandise
not meeting these criteria must be licensed by RI.
Member clubs should refrain from the use of the word “Rotarian” as
part of the name of the local clubs’ publications.(80-102) Use
of the Name and Emblem by Rotarians Article
XIII of the RI constitution guarantees that “every member of a club shall be
known as a Rotarian, and shall be entitled to wear the emblem, badge, or other
insignia of RI.” However, Rotarians may not use the emblem on business
stationery or business cards of individual Rotarians. (80-102) The
use by Rotarians of distinctive badges, jewels, ribbons or similar items which
indicate an official position in Rotary is not in harmony with an organization
of business and professional people. Accordingly, the use of such regalia is
disapproved except in those countries where local custom dictates otherwise. (A
specific exception to the aforementioned policy is that simple and temporary
name plates and ribbon badges used at Rotary conventions and conferences are
permissible.) (28, 55) Rotarians
may not use the name and emblem, Rotary club membership lists, or other lists of
Rotarians, for the purpose of furthering political campaigns. Any use of the
fellowship of Rotary as a means of gaining political advantage is not within the
spirit of Rotary. (82) Use
of the Name and Emblem by RI Officers and Special Appointees No
officer of RI shall permit the publication of his or her title as such officer
in connection with his or her official position or membership in any other
organization, except with the consent of the RI Board. (80-102) Use
of the RI letterhead is restricted to incoming, current and past officers of RI,
or those Rotarians appointed by the president or the RI Board to serve in
various capacities as may be listed. In such cases, the years of service should
be clearly indicated. (82) Use
of the Name and Emblem in Rotary-related Programs The
emblem may be incorporated in a design which includes names or other emblems
descriptive of a Rotary-related program, provided the design is under the
exclusive control of the RI Board and provided the emblem is in no way altered
or obstructed. In no instance may the design be displayed or used as a lapel pin
which incorporates in any way the Rotary emblem. (84) Other
Authorized Uses of the Rotary Emblem Various
uses of the name and emblem are permitted, including: 1)
all stationery and printed matter issued by RI or member clubs; 2) the official Rotary flag; 3) badges, banners, decorations and printed matter of Rotary conventions and all other official Rotary functions, and on furniture or furnishings of RI or member clubs; 4) road signs of member clubs; 5) a lapel button to be worn by Rotarians and family members; 6) articles for personal use of or greetings from Rotarians and their families. (80-102) In
order to avoid any involvement of RI, any group of Rotarians, clubs or any district
which contemplates the erection or acquisition of any building should not use
the name “Rotary International” in connection there with. The raising of
funds for such ventures through assessments on Rotarians is not looked upon with
favor. (44) (It should be noted that any club, district or multi-district group
wishing to use the name “Rotary” or the Rotary emblem in conjunction with a
structure should seek the consultation of the RI Board.) Prohibitions
for Use of the Name and Emblem Combination
with Other Marks Section
18.020. of the RI by-laws provides: “The use of such name, emblem, badge or
other insignia in combination with any other name or emblem is not recognized by
RI.” This rule does not apply to Rotary-related programs discussed above. Many
Rotary clubs had historically shown an interest in and sponsored boys’ clubs.
Clubs have requested that the emblem or other insignia be used by means of which
the boys’ clubs and their members may be identified as associated with Rotary.
Rotarians are encouraged to give their assistance and encouragement to any group
seeking to emulate the Rotary example. However, no matter how worthy the
purposes of the organization, RI does not permit such groups to use the name or
emblem of RI. This position is not intended to discourage organizations desiring
to emulate Rotary clubs, but it is believed that suitable names and insignia can
be devised without infringing upon the terminology and marks of RI. (39) Commercialization
of Marks The
emblem is a symbol of service and high ethical standards, and therefore is very
attractive to those who would like to use it for commercial purposes. Commercial
use of the emblem would imply a certain level of quality for products containing
the emblem. The emblem is the symbol of the clubs and the service they provide,
and should not be used for purposes other than identifying clubs and their
members. The Rotary marks may not be used for commercial purposes except as
permitted under RI’s licensing procedures. Examples of commercialization would
include the following: 1)
use as a trademark, service mark, collective membership mark or special
brand of merchandise; 2) use in combination with other non-Rotary marks except as noted with Rotary-related programs; 3) inclusion on business stationery or business cards of individual Rotarians. Rotarians are discouraged from placing the emblem on doors and windows of their business premises. (80-102) Use
of Name by Other Groups Except
as concerns provisional Rotary clubs, the use of the word “Rotary” by any
group in such manner as to indicate or imply status as a club or as an affiliate
of a club or of RI is not authorized. (47, 62) Affinity
Credit Cards RI
does not permit the use of affinity credit cards using any of the RI marks,
including the words “Rotary,” “Rotarian,” “Rotary International,”
“Rotary District,” or the emblem. (87, 89, 90, 91,93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98) Telephone
Calling Cards RI
does not permit the use of telephone calling cards using any of the RI marks,
including the words “Rotary,” “Rotarian,” “Rotary International,”
“Rotary District,” or the emblem.(94, 95, 96) Other
Prohibited Uses of RI Intellectual Property Marks The
emblem shall not be used by any person, firm or corporation as a trade-mark, nor
shall the word “Rotary” or “Rotarian” be used by any person, firm or
corporation as its trade name, brand name, or as descriptive of any article of
merchandise manufactured or sold. (55) The
use of the words “Rotary Club,” “Rotary International,” “Rotary” and
“Rotarian,” in any manner not authorized by the constitution, by-laws or
action of the RI Board is prohibited.(80-102) Licensing
of Rotary International Intellectual Property Marks Numerous
individuals and corporations have applied to RI for authorization to manufacture
and sell products bearing the Rotary emblem and other Rotary marks. These
products include such things as lapel buttons, badges, decorations, mugs and
road signs. In light of the RI Board’s responsibility to maintain and preserve
the emblem of RI and with a view to strengthening the marks in terms of legal
protection, the RI Board established and maintains a licensing system. The
licensing system currently maintains over 200 individuals, Rotary clubs, Rotary
districts and corporations as licensees for an array of products. The licensed
marks shall not be used on or with any product which, in the opinion of RI,
comprises immoral, deceptive or scandalous matters. Further, the licensed marks
may not be use din a way that disparages or falsely suggests a connection with
persons, institutions, beliefs or national symbols, or brings them into contempt
or disrepute. Licensees are not authorized to sell recognition items using the
likeness of Paul Harris or the terms “Paul Harris Fellow,” “Paul Harris
Sustaining Member” or “Benefactor.” (92) All
vendors who seek to sell merchandise through advertising in THE
ROTARIAN or
any regional magazine must become officially licensed by RI, where the
merchandise is intended to be customized to contain the Rotary emblem. (94) Prohibition
of Solicitation of Districts, Clubs and Rotarians Only
companies who are licensed to sell Rotary emblem merchandise may solicit
districts, clubs or Rotarians for the purchase of Rotary emblem merchandise
under the specific terms set out in their license agreements. No such
solicitation is permitted by non licensed vendors. It is recognized that there
will be occasions when Rotarians will need to produce customized Rotary emblem
merchandise for a specific event or purpose. All Rotarians are asked always to
first seek out licensed Rotary vendors for this customized Rotary emblem
merchandise and to seek such merchandise from a non-licensee only when such
merchandise is not reasonably available from a licensed vendor. In each case,
the non-licensed vendor must obtain the specific approval of the RI World
Headquarters Licensing Section for the use of the emblem. (95) Corporate
Sponsorship The
RI Board has made the commitment to the careful development of sponsorship
opportunities for RI. This includes the development of guide lines for use by
the zones, districts and clubs.(Please contact the Secretariat for further
information.) Reproduction
of the Rotary Emblem Rotary
Emblem Specifications The
official emblem of RI is a gear wheel of six spokes or arms, 24 teeth or cogs
and a keyway; one tooth is placed on the center line of each arm and three in
between the center lines of arms. The wheel is designed in accordance with the
proportions given in the table below. The two words “Rotary International”
appear in depressed spaces in the rim. With the wheel standing on edge, the word
“Rotary” appears in the depression at the top which occupies a space of
about five teeth, and the word “International” appears in the depression at
the bottom which occupies the space of about nine and one-half (9 1 / 2 )teeth.
On each side and between these two depressions are two other depressions without
lettering. The space between any two of these four depressions is about two
units in accordance with the proportions given below and the space between the
depressions and either edge of the rim is one and one-half(1 1 / 2 ) units. The
arms are tapered and elliptical in cross-section. When the wheel is standing on
edge with the word “Rotary” at the top, the centerlines of two opposing arms
form a vertical diameter of the wheel, and bisect the key way which has reached
the highest point in its revolution. The sides of the teeth are slightly
convexed outward, so that the space left between teeth is approximately
mechanically correct. The proportions for the correct design are: Overall
diameter ....................61units Center
to base or root of teeth ................................26 units Width
of rim (inside edge to base of teeth)........8 1 / 2 units Hub
diameter.........................12 units Shaft
diameter .........................7 units Arms
or Spokes Width where they join the rim (sides projected) ...........5 units Width
at center of shaft (sides projected) ..................7 units Vertical
section of keyway Width ...........................1 3 / 4 Units Depth...................................7
/ 8 units Teeth
or cogs Width at base....................4 1 / 4 units Width
at tip.......................2 1 / 4 units Height................................4
1 / 2 units Lettering
Width of depressed space..............................5 1 / 2 units Height
of letters.......................4 units
It should be noted that in order to make the wheel more emblematic of
service, a keyway has been added to the above description. The hub is demarcated
by a circle surrounding the keyway. And furthermore, the position of the spokes
has been established. The Rotary colors should be worked into the emblem as
follows: The entire wheel should be of gold, with the four depressed spaces in
the rim of royal blue. The words “Rotary” and “International” in the
depression should be of gold. The circle demarcating the hub should be of blue.
The shaft opening and keyway should be left blank.(80-102) Lapel
pins may be licensed regardless of size as long as the emblem is reproduced
correctly. (96) Alteration,
Modification or Obstruction of the Name and Emblem The
name, emblem and other marks of RI should not be altered, modified or obstructed
in any way, nor reproduced other than in their complete form. When printed in
more than one color, the emblem may be printed only in the official Rotary
colors. (28, 55) Rotary
Colors The
official colors of RI are royal blue and gold. (80-102) The
“Rotary International Visual Identity Style Manual” (547-EN) gives further
specifications as to reproduction of the Rotary emblem and guidelines as to a
standardized, coordinated visual identity for all Rotary publications. (95) Rotary
Flag The
official flag of Rotary consists of a white field with the official emblem of
the organization emblazoned in the center of the flag. The entire wheel should
be of gold, with the four depressed spaces in the rim of royal blue. The words
“Rotary” and “International” in the depressions should be of gold. The
shaft opening in the huband, the keyway are white. (80-102) A
club displaying this flag as a club flag may use in large blue letters above the
wheel the words “Rotary Club” and below the wheel the names of the city and
state, province or country. (80-102) Rotary
Mottos “ Service Above Self” and “He Profits Most Who Serves Best” are the official Rotary mottos. The former is the principal motto of Rotary. (50-11, 51-9,89-145) |
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