Are national flags copyrighted?
- Thread starter wazup
- Start date
The most basic answer is that flag regulations very from country to country. It would be prudent to consult with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (who if they are not the proper Department can certainly point you in the correct direction), further if you are going to do this commercially, it would be prudent to consult a lawyer in Canada who deals with trademark and copyright issues.
Nearly all flags are old enough that they can't enjoy copyright protection anyway. But for newer flags, usually the country itself has placed the work in the public domain. ... A trademark claim could be registered, but countries really don't register their logos under trademark.
Note: I copied that statement directly from a webpage but I have also seen a few other comments that contradict this claim, usually specially designed flag that is copyrighted by the designer for artistic merit, however those are very rare.
Note: I copied that statement directly from a webpage but I have also seen a few other comments that contradict this claim, usually specially designed flag that is copyrighted by the designer for artistic merit, however those are very rare.
A lil off subject, but it pisses me off when people degrade a national symbol like a countries flag.Like substituting the maple leaf for a marijuana leaf or changing the red and white to colors of the rainbow. I think it's a show of no class.
That is actually on topic. Something that is perhaps legal in Canada may cause the person you send the clothing to in another country criminal problems.
Consult with a trademark lawyer. Countries may protect their flags under Canadian trademark law, and most, if not all, of them do.
Incorrect. Like I said earlier, most of them don't. Most flags are so old they are now under the public domain if they weren't before. They are regarded as cultural symbols but not copyrighted.
https://www.quora.com/Are-countries-flag-copyrighted
The article where this information is posted.
Of course flags are copyrighted by the artist, after all it would be their work . wouldn't it?
The article where this information is posted.
Of course flags are copyrighted by the artist, after all it would be their work . wouldn't it?
to each their own. I find the marijuana thing understandable but if it is not actually on a flag and its just a marijuana leaf on a red and white sweatshirt I don't find that offensive. If they put it on the flag yes it is offensive. Remember next year it will be legal. For the rainbow thing. It could be a symbol to LGBT community that Canada has equal rights for their community. I have mixed feelings about the rainbow remark.
Depends which flag, and in which country. And if it isn't a matter akin to treason, the issue's more about trademark infringement than copyright protection. Each country will certainly have its own laws for its own flag, but they can't usually be enforced beyond their borders, while trademarks are protected by international agreements your lawyer can brief you on for starters.
Since your own title pasted straight into Google turns up a page of useful hits, I'm really surprised how vague your question to us TERBians is.
Last edited:
Strongly disagree. It's no different than sitting or leaving your hat on during a national anthem.
Men and women died fighting for that flag and what it represents. I don't think they died to see it disrespected and defaced.
The flag itself is not copyrighted BUT the IMAGE of the flag you use would be
In other words, you can create an image of the flag for your work but can not download a random image from net without having the proper release from the copyright owner
Northern bear: look up the difference between trademark and copyright.
OP: intellectual property law is kind of a specialized area. Take any legal advice you receive on an anonymous internet forum for what it's worth.
I totally agree . What I am saying is what you may find disrespectful someone else may not.
One of the leading flag manufacturers in the world is right here in Ontario, maybe they could give you a detailed answer: http://www.flagsunlimited.com/
As stated in #5. It all depends where you are sending them. A Canadian flag swimsuit may be fine in Canada, a Russian flag swimsuit may be fine in Canada, a Russian flag swimsuit in Russia might land you in a jail. This is an area it is important to research if you are going to get into international trade.
Not good for a business if your product is seized and confiscated or your clients end up in legal difficulties, or all three.
Not good for a business if your product is seized and confiscated or your clients end up in legal difficulties, or all three.
