Mocking a US government law inforcement agency logo

[andromat]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY

How much would be allowed? Specifically, can I print t-shirts with a clearly fake government logo but still with a real government agency name? Same with making clearly fake badges - image and quality wise? Will I be allowed to sell those on the streets of New York under the freedom of speech protection act? (Actually, the process went like this: I created a logo out of my head, thought it would be a good mock-up logo, did a research, and decided that a real logo really needed a mock-up.)

Thanks, some people on this board have been great and Happy New Year to everyone!

 

[Proserpina]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY

How much would be allowed? Specifically, can I print t-shirts with a clearly fake government logo but still with a real government agency name? Same with making clearly fake badges - image and quality wise? Will I be allowed to sell those on the streets of New York under the freedom of speech protection act? (Actually, the process went like this: I created a logo out of my head, thought it would be a good mock-up logo, did a research, and decided that a real logo really needed a mock-up.)

Thanks, some people on this board have been great and Happy New Year to everyone!

Sigh. Yes, we are rather wonderful as a collective, aren't we?

Now. Legalities aside - all I'm going to ask you is this:

WHY would you do this? You DO realize that no matter how legal it is or isn't, certain agencies can make your life a LIVING HELL?

Why would ya want that?

 

[andromat]

Well, I guess I'm seeking some negative publicity for my art. And some supplemental income for myself, as I am tired of driving a cab. But as far as this agency is concerned, I don't do drugs - accept for alcohol - so I'm untouchable, right?

 

[Proserpina]

Well, I guess I'm seeking some negative publicity for my art. And some supplemental income for myself, as I am tired of driving a cab. But as far as this agency is concerned, I don't do drugs - accept for alcohol - so I'm untouchable, right?

No, no you're really not.

 

[quincy]

No one is untouchable.

You can visit the following government site to get an idea of what you are allowed to do with government logos and trademarks and names: http://www.usa.gov/copyright.shtml. Pay attention to the "exceptions" to use.

Parody is allowed, but you must be very careful when parodying certain rights-protected material. Bad parodies can result in lawsuits (which is bad).

If you want "negative publicity" for your art, you would probably be wise to find this negative publicity from some other source than the U.S. government.

Happy New Year.