Why Uncle Sam was able to lean on the Legion emblem in Buddy Check poster.
American Legion emblem
In the January issue of Dispatch, the main story discussed how nothing can be infringing upon the emblem of The American Legion, however, on page 5 of that same issue the Buddy Check poster showed Uncle Sam leaning on it – this is a historical image of the Legion’s. So the Buddy Check poster is acceptable, and the following is why, according to National Judge Advocate Kevin Bartlett.
The American Legion’s founding charter affords the national organization control and exclusive rights to use the emblems, badges and other items The American Legion adopts. During its history, The American Legion has selectively granted permission on occasion to allow a design to infringe on its emblem for creative and branding purposes for special designs. Besides the Buddy Check poster, other examples of objects infringing on the emblem include the recent American Legion commemorative coin series issued by the U.S. Mint and the centennial lithographic print available through Emblem Sales (emblem.legion.org, Item No. 7559101).
Therefore, except when specific and selected permission has been properly granted, National Judge Advocate Kevin Bartlett’s “no touchy” rule is the short version of The American Legion policy that nothing can be touching any part of an American Legion emblem.
- Dispatch