Parody, or not, it is not allowed to poke fun @ the .gov, it seems

[BobR]

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/11/01/sauk-rapids-graphic-artist-challenges-national-security-agency/


Poor guy is trying to make a buck and the NSA doens't think it is too funny. Oh well, no more poking fun at the different government agencies.

I have a feeling this will go with the guy making the shirts, probably before it hits the courts system.

bob

[zxcvbob]

The NSA has no intellectual property; everything they publish is automatically in the public domain.

[Blakenzy]

NSA... a wannabe Corporate KGB?

[Sergeant Bob]

It looks like the site to buy (Cafepress) still has the shirts and hoodies for sale, so get'em while you can!

http://www.cafepress.com/libertymaniacs/10128143

[AZRedhawk44]

It looks like the site to buy (Cafepress) still has the shirts and hoodies for sale, so get'em while you can!

http://www.cafepress.com/libertymaniacs/10128143

Bought.   

[freakazoid]

Bought.   

+1

[RoadKingLarry]

I've heard of a few other countries where it is illegal to criticize or make fun of the goverment.

Looks like political speach to me. My unedumacated opinion is that it fall squarely under the protection of the pesky 1st Amendment thingy.

[bedlamite]

You can also get them direct from his website http://www.LibertyManiacs.com

[Viking]

Guess the truth hurts too much.

[T.O.M.]

I'm not an IP lawyer, and honestly I know very little about that area of the law, but would 1A cover the use of the logo?

[Jamisjockey]

I'm not an IP lawyer, and honestly I know very little about that area of the law, but would 1A cover the use of the logo?

It's a .gov logo, so why wouldn't it?

[T.O.M.]

It's a .gov logo, so why wouldn't it?

Didn't know if they trademark their logos, or if lawful parody/political speech is an acceptable exception to trademark/license requirements...

[K Frame]

"The NSA has no intellectual property; everything they publish is automatically in the public domain."

Generally correct...

But, while not trademarked, no one has absolute unfettered right to use logos, seals, and many other similar items that have been created by or for the government.

http://www.usa.gov/copyright.shtml


(edited to make my point clearer)

[T.O.M.]

Thanks, Mike. 

[CypherNinja]

I bought one, along with a "This is not Santa Clause" shirt. 

[RevDisk]

https://supporters.eff.org/shop/illegal-spying-eagle-sticker

Good luck to the NSA if they want to sue the EFF.

[vaskidmark]

"The NSA has no intellectual property; everything they publish is automatically in the public domain."

Generally correct...

But, while not trademarked, no one has absolute unfettered right to use logos, seals, and many other similar items that have been created by or for the government.

http://www.usa.gov/copyright.shtml


(edited to make my point clearer)

You cannot use U.S. government trademarks or the logos of U.S. government agencies without permission. For example, you cannot use an agency logo or trademark on your social media page.

But once he altered the wording it was no longer the NSA logo/shield/window decal.  And that section generally applies to use of a government insignia in a manner that suggests the user is a part of that government entity.  Clearly this was not the case.

I'd rather see the gooberment go after the folks who operate the FBI Your Browser IS Locked ransomeware than spend my money persecuting some guy who likes to poke pointy sticks.

stay safe.

[K Frame]

As I said, no one has absolute unfettered right to use the logos, etc.

That includes minor alterations to the point determined by a court of law. That is the litmus test -- a court determination. Until that happens, there's nothing clear about it, unfortunately.

If he wants to pursue it, good luck to him, then.