Guidelines



Seventh-day Adventist Trademark Guidelines

Guidelines

Church trademarks, such as "Seventh-day Adventist," "Adventist," and "Ministry," may be used only in connection with denominational ministries and non-commercial activities of approved lay and professional groups.  Use of these trademarks shall be controlled by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists through its Trademark Committee.  Church trademarks shall not be used in any manner that will jeopardize the Church's tax-exempt status.

Procedures

1) Existing Entities.  Church entities that have denominational status and are included in the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook at the time of adoption of this policy and procedure may use the trademarks in their names and ministries.

2) New Denominational Administrative Entities.  New administrative entities, such as missions, conferences, union conferences, and divisions that are approved by the General Conference Committee may use the trademarks in their names and ministries.

3) New Denominational Institutions.  When new institutions apply for denominational status (see NAD C 47), the Retirement Plan Committee shall refer all applications of institutions using one of the trademarks to the Trademark Committee of the General Conference for clearance before the application is approved by the Retirement Plan Committee.

4) Local Churches.  Local churches and companies may use the trademarks in their ministries once their status has been approved by the local conference or mission.

5) Lay Groups.  Lay and professional groups must apply for written permission to the secretary of the Trademark Committee of the General Conference.  The articles and bylaws of such groups must indicate that they are independent of the Church and are not its agents.  After receipt of written notice of General Conference approval, such groups may use the trademarks solely for noncommercial purposes.

6) Revocation of Permission.  For cause the General Conference Committee may revoke permission of any denominational entity or lay group to use the trademarks.  "For cause" includes, but is not limited to, conflict with the objectives or doctrines of the Church as determined by the General Conference and commercial use by nonchurch groups.

Internal Procedure of Seventh-day Adventist Trademark Committee

1) Requests for Use of a Church Trademark

a. Trademark Committee considers request.

b. If Trademark Committee approves, it sends request to Officers for consideration.

c. If Officers approve, Trademark Committee notified General Conference Corporation.

d. Trademark Committee sends written notice of approval to applicant.

2) Evaluation of Unauthorized Use of a Church Trademark

a. Trademark Committee evaluates problem, with input from Office of General Counsel and trademark counsel.

b. Trademark Committee reports to Officers.

c. If Officers so authorize, Office of General Counsel sends conciliatory letter stating the problem and offering to discuss possible solutions.

d. If response is negative, Trademark Committee and then Officers again consider the problem.  If Officers so authorize, trademark counsel sends polite cease-and-desist letter.

e. If trademark counsel receives negative response, Trademark Committee and Officers reconsider the situation for possible litigation or other action.

3) Revocation of permission for use of a Church trademark will follow the same basic procedure as outlines in subsection b. of this internal procedure, with final action on revocation, however, voted by the General Conference Committee.

Divisions other than North America are requested to take appropriate actions in harmony with these guidelines.

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These guidelines were adopted by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee for insertion into the GC/NAD Working Policies at the Annual Council Session in Washington, D.C., October 11, 1983.