ABCs of Rotary USE OF ROTARY MARKS
By Past RI President Cliff Dochterman (1992-93)
The Rotary International emblem and the word "Rotary" are among the many words and logos used as trademarks and service marks by RI and by Rotarians and Rotary clubs around the world and collectively referred to as the "Rotary marks." The Rotary marks are registered in more than 40 countries, which enhances the association's exclusive use of the marks and strengthens RI's position to prevent misuse by unauthorized individuals and entities. The RI Board of Directors has developed guidelines for the use of the Rotary marks by Rotarians, Rotary clubs and districts, and other Rotary entities, which appear in the Rotary Code of Policies and the Manual of Procedure.
It is the privilege and responsibility of all Rotarians to wear and use the Rotary marks with pride. Following the Board's guidelines for use of the Rotary marks will help to ensure that they are not misused and that they will always be preserved for the use and benefit of Rotarians.
When used by themselves, the word "Rotary" and the Rotary emblem normally refer to the entire organization, Rotary International, and its ideals and principles. When using the word "Rotary" or the Rotary emblem in connection with or in the name of an activity, clubs, districts, and other Rotary entities should add their name as a further identifier near and in equal prominence with any Rotary marks. This will ensure that full recognition is given to your club or district. Clubs or districts should not use the Rotary marks in connection with activities that are not under their control or in the name of any organization that includes non-Rotarian individuals or groups.
When naming a club or district foundation activity, separate the words "Rotary" and "Foundation" with at least one other word - for example, the Rotary Sedona West Foundation or Chicago Rotary Club Foundation.
When using the Rotary marks, clubs and districts should not alter, modify, or obstruct them in any way or reproduce them in any way other than their complete form. The Rotary emblem may be reproduced in any one colour; if it is to be reproduced in more than one colour, it must be done in the official colours of blue and gold. Rotarians are encouraged to purchase merchandise bearing the Rotary marks only from authorized licensees of RI to ensure that the marks are reproduced correctly and that they are not being used by unauthorized vendors. Rotarians are also encouraged to wear the emblem as a lapel button, but the emblem should not be used on business stationery, business cards, or on the doors or windows of Rotarians' business premises.
The Rotary emblem should not be used for any commercial purpose. The Rotary marks are the symbols of the Rotary clubs and the service they provide and should be used only to identify clubs and their members, projects, and programs. It is therefore not permissible to use the Rotary marks in a political campaign or in connection with any other name or emblem not recognized by Rotary International. Rotary entities wishing to use the Rotary marks for sponsorship or partnership purposes should contact their Club and District Administration representative at the RI Secretariat for the most current RI Board guidelines. The Rotary marks can be downloaded from the RI Web site at
www.rotary.org. There is also more information in our
Documents section under Public Image.
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