In an era when logos of sports teams, consumer products, pop culture characters and various organizations appear on everything from T-shirts and caps to coffee mugs, officials are trying to prevent unauthorized use of Mount Airy’s defining symbol.
That is the official city seal, a venerable image containing a cluster of four panels depicting traditional local industries: furniture, granite, textiles and tobacco.
While the glory of these has faded to some extent, the seal remains a proud display — including adorning a wall of council chambers at the Municipal Building. It’s one local officials don’t want to see exploited, with the help of new regulations.
The seal of Mount Airy “symbolizes the city’s authority and jurisdiction, is considered a valuable asset of the city and its citizens and is part of the city’s brand,” states a resolution approved on March 16.
That resolution, which the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners gave the nod to in a 5-0 vote, establishes guidelines for use or display of the seal.
“Most municipalities do have a policy protecting use of their city seal, just to control appropriate uses,” City Manager Darren Lewis explained.
Lewis said the recommendation for one here was triggered by someone recently reaching out to City Hall requesting to use the seal on coffee mugs to be sold for profit.
Also, it came up as part of another discussion, with City Attorney Hugh Campbell, about selling naming rights to municipal facilities.
The new guidelines generally limit the seal’s use to city-sponsored memorabilia or clothing such as shirts and hats, along with appearing as Mount Airy’s official website logo, as decals on city buildings and vehicles and documents including proclamations or contracts.
“The city seal may not be used by private companies or organizations,” the policy states. This prohibits any portion of the seal — text or graphics — from being reproduced for sale, with Mayor Jon Cawley also saying that the new measure will prevent its use as an endorsement.
“How do you police something like that?” Commissioner Chad Hutchens said at one point.
“It’s difficult to police,” City Attorney Campbell acknowledged, “but without a policy it’s almost impossible to police.”
He said at least having one in place gives Mount Airy power to pursue a cease-and-desist action if a commercial use of the seal emerges.
“It’s something that needs to be controlled by the city to keep it from being diluted,” Campbell said of what is considered “exclusive property” of the municipality.
Allowable uses
There is leeway for non-commercial uses of the imagery, with these requiring the submitting of initial requests in writing to the city clerk for review. This includes detailing the proposed use of the seal and a copy of the final image envisioned.
A decision on approval or denial is to be forwarded to the party making the request within 30 business days, according to the wording of the policy, with the city manager mentioning that pre-approval also will be required from the board.
Permission to reproduce the seal can be requested from Nicki Brame via email, nvbrame@mountairy.org, with additional information available at 336-786-3503.
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