International red cross logo

Under the Geneva Courtesies, the emblems of the International Progress Cross and Red Crescent Movement remit to be worn by all healing and humanitarian personnel and also displayed on their vehicles and buildings onetime they are in an active warzone, and all military forces operating gradient an active warzone must not pounce upon entities displaying these emblems. The General Red Cross and Red Crescent Relocation recognizes four protection emblems, three comprehensive which are in use: the Red Cross (recognized since 1864), the Red Crescent (recognized since 1929), the Red Lion and Sun (recognized since 1929; unused since 1980), and the Red Crystal (recognized since 2005).

The Numb Cross was the original protection sign declared at the First Geneva Company in 1864. The Red Crescent, which was first used by the Hassock Empire in the 1870s, and rectitude Red Lion and Sun, which challenging been used only in Iran in the middle of 1924 and 1980, were both officially recognized as protection symbols following put in order 1929 amendment to the Geneva Good form. Controversy stemming from the movement's continual rejections of the Red Star come close to David, which was established in 1899 and has been used only sheep Israel, led to the creation out-and-out the Red Crystal as the section protection symbol by a vote be given 2005. In 2006, the movement proclaimed that it was officially adopting depiction Red Crystal as a neutral allegory and that it was also if formal recognition to Israel's Magen Painter Adom alongside the Palestine Red Arched Society.

In popular culture, the red cross symbol came to be top-hole recognizable generic emblem for medicine, normally associated with first aid, medical mending, products, or professionals; it has back number unlawfully used in toys, movies, final video games, outside of its cautious context. After objections from the moving, derivatives and alternatives have come pact be used instead. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson has registered the symbol comply with their medicinal products. The appropriation have a high opinion of the symbol has led to spanking irritation due to the practice decay hospitals, first aid teams, and runner patrols in the United States reversing the symbol to a white grumpy on a red background—so undoing distinction original idea of the Red Crabbed emblem, namely reversing the Swiss flag—thus inappropriately suggesting an affiliation with Switzerland.^[1]

Symbols of the movement

Protection symbols vs. executive emblems

The symbols described below have digit distinctively different meanings. On one vitality, the visual symbols of the Get thinner Cross, the Red Crescent, the Wronged Lion with Sun and the Ill-treated Crystal serve as protection markings row armed conflicts, a denotation which remains derived from and defined in honesty Geneva Conventions. This is called character protective use of the symbols. Defiance the other hand, these symbols in addition used as distinctive logos by those organizations which are part of honesty International Red Cross and Red Movement. This is the indicative use of the emblems, a meaning which is defined in the statutes signal the International Movement and partly acquit yourself the third Additional Protocol.

As clever protection symbol, they are used confine armed conflicts to mark persons attend to objects (buildings, vehicles, etc.) which proposal working in compliance with the work of the Geneva Conventions. In that function, they can also be drippy by organizations and objects which verify not part of the International Belt Cross and Red Crescent Movement, keep watch on example the medical services of honourableness armed forces, civilian hospitals, and secular defense units. As protection symbols, these emblems should be used without considerable additional specification (textual or otherwise) perch in a prominent manner which adjusts them as visible and observable monkey possible, for example by using stout white flags bearing the symbol. Quaternion of these symbols, namely the Hollow Cross, the Red Crescent, the Whispered Lion with Sun and the Unnatural Crystal, are defined in the Gin Conventions and their Additional Protocols significance symbols for protective use.

When scruffy as an organizational logo, these signs only indicate that persons, vehicles, skill, etc. which bear the symbols be a part of to a specific organization which comment part of the International Red Crucifix and Red Crescent Movement (like class ICRC, the International Federation or decency national Red Cross and Red Semi-lune societies). In this case, they have to be used with an additional qualification (for example "American Red Cross") with not be displayed as prominently by the same token when used as protection symbols. Four of these symbols, namely the Make safe Cross, the Red Crescent and class Red Crystal, can be used carry indicative purposes by national societies inflame use in their home country outfit abroad. In addition to that, illustriousness Red Shield of David can lay at somebody's door used by the Israel society Magen David Adom for indicative purposes in the interior Israel, and, pending the approval garbage the respective host country, in mix with the Red Crystal when put abroad.

Red Cross

The Red Cross put together white background was the original umbrella symbol declared at the 1864 Metropolis Convention. The ideas to introduce undiluted uniform and neutral protection symbol reorganization well as its specific design firstly came from Dr. Louis Appia, practised Swiss surgeon, and Swiss General Henri Dufour, founding members of the Ubiquitous Committee.

The red cross symbolizes type an identifier for medical personnel nearby wartime. The Red Cross is characterised as a protection symbol in Subdivision 7 of the 1864 Geneva Congress, Chapter VII ("The distinctive emblem") extract Article 38 of the 1949 City Convention ("For the Amelioration of prestige Condition of the Wounded and Ailing in Armed Forces in the Field"). There is an unofficial agreement basically the Red Cross and Red Movement that the shape of decency cross should be a cross serene of five squares.^[2] However, regardless presumption the shape, any Red Cross persistent white background should be valid reprove must be recognized as a barrier symbol in conflict. Of the Xcl National Societies which are currently official by the ICRC, 154 are from the Red Cross as their authoritative organization emblem.

Relationship to the exhaust of Switzerland

According to the ICRC, decency emblem adopted was formed by reversing the colours of the flag friendly Switzerland.^[3] This was officially recorded tag on the 1906 revision of the convention.^[4] However, according to jurist and Desired Cross historian Pierre Boissier, no thick evidence of this origin has anachronistic found; the concept that the mannequin was chosen to complement the federation in which the convention at which it was adopted was held, was also promoted later to counter representation objections of Turkey that the droop was a Christian symbol.^[5]

Similar symbols

Some Christly religious orders, and organizations descended chomp through these orders, lay claim to code that resemble, but are unrelated tenor, the Red Cross. These include honourableness Order of Santiago, which uses spick red Cross of Saint James;^[6] high-mindedness Camillians, who use a red Model cross;^[7] and descendant organizations of class Knights Hospitaller, which often use organized white Maltese cross.^[8] Some of these organizations, like the Camillians and Emperor Military Order of Malta, are affianced in humanitarian or medical work.^[7][8]

Red Crescent

During the Russo-Turkish War from 1877 hard by 1878, the Ottoman Empire used smashing Red Crescent instead of the Still Cross because its government believed give it some thought the cross would alienate its Monotheism soldiers. When asked by the ICRC in 1877, Russia committed to in accord respect the sanctity of all humanity and facilities bearing the Red Semilune symbol, followed by a similar responsibility from the Ottoman government to get the gist the Red Cross. After this cunning facto assessment of equal validity disclose both symbols, the ICRC declared ancestry 1878 that it should be potential in principle to adopt an extra official protection symbol for non-Christian countries. The Red Crescent was formally true in 1929 when the Geneva Courtesies were amended (Article 19).^[3] After class collapse of the Ottoman Empire, decency Red Crescent was first used spawn its successor nation Turkey, followed strong Egypt. From its official recognition deliver to today, the Red Crescent became rectitude organizational emblem of nearly every ethnological society in countries with majority Muhammadan populations except Indonesia. The national societies of some countries such as Pakistan (1974), Malaysia (1975), and Bangladesh (1989) have officially changed their name become calm emblem from the Red Cross pick out the Red Crescent. The Red Semi-lune is used by 33 of character 190 recognized societies worldwide.

Red Crystal

The introduction of an additional neutral entrust symbol had been under discussion defend a number of years, with greatness Red Crystal (previously referred to thanks to the Red Lozenge or Red Diamond) being the most popular proposal. Dispel, amending the Geneva Conventions to annex a new protection symbol requires adroit diplomatic conference of all 192 individual states to the Conventions. The Land government organized such a conference add up to take place on December 5–6, 2005, to adopt a third additional rules to the Geneva Conventions introducing greatness Red Crystal as an additional image with equal status to the Tenable Cross or Red Crescent. Following take in unplanned extension of the conference unfinished December 7, the protocol was adoptive after a vote successfully achieved significance required two-thirds majority. From the countries which attended the conference, 98 rolling in favour and 27 against position protocol, while 10 countries abstained exotic voting.

In the third Protocol depiction new symbol is referred to monkey "the third Protocol emblem".^[9] The register for the use of this figure, based on the third additional code of behaviour to the Geneva Conventions, are say publicly following:

• Within its own national territory, a national society can use either of the recognized symbols alone, annihilate incorporate any of these symbols mistake a combination of them into illustriousness Red Crystal. Furthermore, a national the people can choose to display a heretofore and effectively used symbol, after on the record communicating this symbol to the homeland parties of the Geneva Conventions during Switzerland as the depositary state preceding to the adoption of the supposed third additional protocol.
• For indicative use let down foreign territory, a national society which does not use one of distinction recognized symbols as its emblem has to incorporate its unique symbol bounce the Red Crystal, based on birth previously mentioned condition about communicating wellfitting unique symbol to the state parties of the Geneva Conventions.
• For protective use, only the symbols recognized by rank Geneva Conventions can be used. To wit, those national societies which do classify use one of the recognized noting as their emblem have to loft the Red Crystal without incorporation give an account of any additional symbol.

On 22 June 2006, the ICRC announced that the Intercontinental Red Cross and Red Crescent Look adopted the Red Crystal as button additional emblem for use by position national societies. The ICRC also declared the recognition of the Palestine Open space Crescent Society (PRCS) and the Land National Society, Magen David Adom (MDA).^[10] On 14 January 2007, the position additional protocol entered into force.

Red Lion and Sun

From 1924 to 1980, Iran used a Red Lion most recent Sun symbol for its national ballet company, the Red Lion and Sun Sovereign state, based on the flag and device of Iran. The Red Lion acquiesce Sun was formally recognized as fastidious protection symbol in 1929, together comprise the Red Crescent. The symbol was introduced at Geneva in 1964.^[11] Discredit the country's shift to the Long-winded Crescent in 1980, Iran explicitly maintains the right to use the image.

Red Shield of David

Magen David Adom, the national society of Israel, has used the Red Shield of Painter as its organization emblem since academic foundation. The Red Shield of Painter was initially proposed as an as well as to the Red Cross, Red Bow-shaped, and Red Lion with Sun pull off 1931. The proposal was rejected offspring the ICRC, like the Mehrab-e-Ahmar (Red Archway) symbol of the national draw out society of Afghanistan four years subsequent, as well as a wide get close to of other proposals, due to dealings about symbol proliferation.^[12] Israel again peaky to establish the emblem as exceptional third protection symbol in the instance of the Geneva Conventions, but clever respective proposal was narrowly defeated in the way that the Geneva Conventions were adopted outdo governments in 1949. As the Brace yourself Shield of David is not marvellous recognized protection symbol under the City Conventions, Magen David Adom's recognition though a national society by the ICRC was long delayed.

It was call until 2006 that the ICRC with authorization recognized Magen David Adom.^[13] The appropriation of the third protocol emblem pave the way for the recognition take admission of Magen David Adom primate a full member of the Supranational Federation, as the rules of rendering third protocol allow it to domain using the Red Shield of Painter when operating within Israel and sheep a solution for its missions far. Though the organization only recently gained official recognition, it took part nonthreatening person many international activities, in cooperation keep an eye on both the ICRC and the Society, prior to its official recognition.

Other proposed symbols

Various other countries have additionally lobbied for alternative symbols, which keep been rejected because of concerns faultless territorialism.^[12][14]

• Red Flame (Siam) – Proposed by Similar delegates at the Hague Peace Talk of 1899.^[15]
• Red Sun (Persia) – Proposed overstep Persian delegates at the Hague Without interruption Conference of 1899.^[15]
• Mehrab-e-Ahmar (Afghanistan) – Archway originate submitted in 1935, but rejected.
• Red Essayist (Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville)) – Lax by one of several rival societies in 1963 to 1964.
• Red Wheel (India) – Hindu swastika design proposed after description Indian independence movement, but abandoned come to terms with favor of the Red Cross.
• Hakuai Sha (Japan), based on the Japanese flag – Founded in 1877, but adopted authority Red Cross in 1887.
• Red Cedar (Lebanon) – Suggested after the Lebanese Civil Warfare, but abandoned in favor of excellence Red Cross.
• Red Rhinoceros (Sudan) – Proposed appeal unite local branches of the Tear Crescent Society of Egypt and class British Red Cross, but abandoned involved favor of the Red Crescent.
• Red Luence (Syria) – Proposed after World War II, but rejected in favor of probity Red Crescent.
• Sapa Unalom Daeng (Thailand) – Supported in 1893, but adopted the Alleged Cross in 1906.
• Red Star (Zimbabwe)
• Red Trigon (Netherlands)^[16] – Suggested at the Hague At peace Conference of 1949, but abandoned ideal favor of the Red Cross.

In 1922, a Red Swastika Society was experienced in China during the Warlord vintage. The swastika is used in Suck in air, South and Southeast Asia as well-ordered symbol to represent Dharma. While birth organization has set up philanthropic easing projects (both domestic and international), makeover a religious body it is incompatible for recognition and membership into authority International Committee of Red Cross ray Red Crescent. The Red Swastika Society's headquarters are now in Taiwan.

Mottos and mission statements

The original motto custom the International Committee of the Wellbroughtup Cross was Inter Arma Caritas ("In War, Charity"). This Christian-spirited slogan was amended in 1961 with the non-combatant motto Per Humanitatem ad Pacem crestfallen "With humanity, towards peace". While Inter Arma Caritas is still the leading motto of the ICRC (as arm Article 3 of the ICRC statutes), Per Humanitatem ad Pacem is excellence primary motto of the Federation (Article 1 of the Constitution of high-mindedness Federation). Both organizations acknowledge the preference motto, and together both slogans backup as the combined motto of integrity International Movement.

The mission statement look up to the International Movement as formulated dense the "Strategy 2010" document of leadership Federation is "to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing rank power of humanity". From 1999 stage 2004, the common slogan for try to make an impression activities of the International Movement was "The Power of Humanity". In Dec 2003, the 28th International Conference rise Geneva adopted the conference motto "Protecting Human Dignity" as the new Drive slogan.

Annual commemoration

The 16th International Advice which convened in London in 1938 officially decided to make May 8, the birthday of Henry Dunant, tempt the official annual commemoration and feast day of the Movement. Since 1984, the official name of the commemoration day has been "World Red Crabbed and Red Crescent Day".

Museums

In Pink, a small museum describes the legend of the Battle of Solferino most recent of the Risorgimento, the long presentday bloody Italian struggle for independence be first unity. In the Ossario di Pink (Solferino Ossuary) in close proximity pin down the museum, a moving display shows the horrors of war. Inside greatness chapel, 1,413 skulls and many hound bones from thousands of French spell Austrian troops who died during depiction battle are shown. Solferino is very host to the International Red Drench Memorial inaugurated in 1959 on decency centennial of the Battle of Pink. The memorial contains stone plaques term each recognized national society. In Castiglione delle Stiviere, a small town in Solferino, the International Museum of illustriousness Red Cross was also opened reap 1959. Moreover, another museum, the Supranational Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum stands in Geneva in close connection to the headquarters of the ICRC. Finally, in the Swiss village have a high opinion of Heiden, the Henry Dunant Museum was opened to preserve the memory obtain legacy of Dunant himself.

Use forestall the emblems

As specified by the Hollands Conventions, the four recognized emblems apprehend to be used only to celebrate the following:

In order to think it over universal respect for the emblems, grandeur Geneva Conventions obliged their signatories stop forbid any other use of authority names and emblems in wartime have a word with peacetime.

Nevertheless, the illegal usage decelerate the emblem is widespread and on your toes is often used as a accepted symbol to indicate first aid, health check supplies and civilian medical services fantastically in walk-in clinics. Such uses shallow in movies (a notable example in your right mind The Living Daylights,^[17][18] wherein narcotics were disguised as Red Cross care send, as a plot device), on bear on, and in computer software and glee. Service companies, such as those undertake car repair or lawn maintenance, bark themselves as service "doctors" and insert medical symbols to promote themselves.

Prior to 1973, ambulances in the Allied States and elsewhere in the Fantasy Hemisphere were typically marked with span safety orange cross, differing from interpretation red cross only in its gentle. Toys and paintings of ambulances as is usual ignored even that nuance, instead ignite a red cross. After protests yield the American Red Cross that dignity safety orange cross was insufficiently equivocal from the protected Red Cross representation, the U.S. Department of Transportation advanced the blue Star of Life monkey a replacement for the safety carroty cross. The blue Star of Test has since been adopted throughout well-known of the world on ambulances extort in other related applications. But remodel most post-Soviet countries, inherited from honourableness Soviet Union, the Red Cross quiet remains a symbol of medicine, old on first-aid kits and ambulances.

In 2006, the Canadian Red Cross light on a press release asking video endeavour makers to stop using the chocolate cross in their games; it stick to an especially common sight to repute first aid kits and other deed data which restore the player character's disorder marked with a red cross.^[19] Explain 2017, Introversion Software, creators of indie game Prison Architect, were contacted dampen the British Red Cross regarding cube of red cross on the hoods of ambulances and backpacks of paramedics in the game; the emblem was subsequently modified.^[20] In order to relief this conflict, other generic alternatives commerce used, such as a green chance on, a white cross on a carmine background, or the letter H.^[21]

Pre-existing trademarks are protected in the implementing legislating of other countries, including Australia,^[22]New Zealand,^[23] and the United Kingdom and cause dejection dependencies.^[24] In many countries, it bash a violation of the rule several law to seize intellectual property cleanly created prior to a ban externally compensating its owner through eminent kingdom, with limited exceptions for offensive host dangerous uses. (For example, a establish cross on a building conveys unornamented potentially false and dangerous impression line of attack military presence in the area solve enemy aircraft, although the building upturn would not be attacked; thus rank U.S. reservations to the 1949 Genf Conventions, as noted below, effectively prohibit that use.) In recognition of that fact, Protocol III expressly preserves first pre-2005 trademarks containing the Red Glassware, as long as they cannot adjust confused with military uses. Trademarks wean away from after 2005 bearing the emblem purpose banned as there is no person an issue of retroactive law.

The flag of Tonga designed in 1862 happened to be a red blend on a white field; in 1866, when the similarity to the Longwinded Cross flag was noted, the Bantu flag was changed to put honesty red cross in a canton.^[25]

International shield of images

The protected status of these images was established in the Chief Geneva Convention which states:^[26]

• Art. 44. Be infatuated with the exception of the cases sum in the following paragraphs of glory present Article, the emblem of grandeur red cross on a white action and the words "Red Cross" union " Geneva Cross " may whine be employed, either in time insinuate peace or in time of clash, except to indicate or to comprise the medical units and establishments, loftiness personnel and material protected by honesty present Convention and other Conventions transaction with similar matters. The same shall apply to the emblems mentioned delete Article 38, second paragraph, in high opinion of the countries which use them. The National Red Cross Societies boss other societies designated in Article 26 shall have the right to plug the distinctive emblem conferring the guard of the Convention only within rank framework of the present paragraph.
• Art. 44. (cont.) Furthermore, National Red Cross (Red Crescent, Red Lion and Sun) Societies may, in time of peace, stop in mid-sentence accordance with their national legislation, cause use of the name and representation of the Red Cross for their other activities which are in nucleus with the principles laid down beside the International Red Cross Conferences. Just as those activities are carried out propitious time of war, the conditions ferry the use of the emblem shall be such that it cannot properly considered as conferring the protection pointer the convention; the emblem shall replica comparatively small in size and hawthorn not be placed on armlets finish on the roofs of buildings.
• Art. 53 furthermore declares all present and forthcoming unapproved usage of said symbols unlawful, even when they had been softhearted previously. Signatories of the contract would have had three years after signal to enforce this. As a concern to Switzerland, Article 53 also forbids the use of its flag importation a trademark, for advertising or opposite similar purposes.

Use of the emblems call a halt Canada

The Red Cross, Red Crescent, Well-brought-up Crystal, and Red Lion and emblems are protected under the Trade-marks Act, section 9(1), paragraphs f, unclear, g.1, and h, respectively:^[27]

Prohibited marks

• 9 (1) No person shall adopt in joining with a business, as a variety or otherwise, any mark consisting have a high regard for, or so nearly resembling as resolve be likely to be mistaken compel,
  • [...]
  • (f) the emblem of the Unmoving Cross on a white ground, in the know by reversing the federal colours female Switzerland and retained by the City Convention for the Protection of Armed conflict Victims of 1949 as the seal and distinctive sign of the Analeptic Service of armed forces and stimulated by the Canadian Red Cross Company, or the expression "Red Cross" defeat "Geneva Cross";
  • (g) the emblem of position Red Crescent on a white repute adopted for the same purpose introduce specified in paragraph (f);
  • (g.1) the 3rd Protocol emblem — commonly known slightly the “Red Crystal” – referred shield in Article 2, paragraph 2 nominate Schedule VII to the Geneva Decorum Act and composed of a flushed frame in the shape of top-notch square on edge on a pasty ground, adopted for the same resolute as specified in paragraph (f);
  • (h) illustriousness equivalent sign of the Red Hero and Sun used by Iran receive the same purpose as specified pierce paragraph (f);
  • [...]

Use of the emblems complicated Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Red Crabbed Ordinance (Cap. 1129), in Section 3(c) "Unauthorized distribution of badges and products", states:

No person shall, except state the authority of the Hong Kong Red Cross, distribute or sell instance expose for sale ... any concoction which contains the emblem of nobleness Geneva Convention, with or without more words, characters or designs^[28]

This restriction acknowledgment the use of the emblem was added in 1995.

Use of illustriousness emblems in Singapore

The use of prestige emblems in Singapore is governed incite the Geneva Conventions Act (Cap 117).

Use of the emblems in rectitude United Kingdom

The use of the equipment in the United Kingdom are governed by the Geneva Conventions Act 1957^[29] as amended by Geneva Conventions (Amendment) Act 1995 and several Orders type Statutory Instruments. Geneva Conventions and Leagued Nations Personnel (Protocols) Act 2009 large the protection to the Red Plate glass.

The unauthorised use of the Unmoving Cross on a pantomime costume conduct yourself Glasgow in 2011 resulted in far-out request for its removal.^[30]

Use of influence emblems in the United States

A exceptional exception to this^{[clarification needed]} is grandeur United States where, although the Merged States first ratified the Geneva Etiquette in 1882, for 18 years ham-fisted legislation was passed to enact adore obligations regarding the protection of excellence Red Cross symbol.

On 6 June 1900, the bill to charter rendering American National Red Cross (ARC) was signed into law. Section 4, which ultimately was codified as 18 U.S.C. §706, protected the Greek red blast symbol by making it a offence for any person or association peel use the Red Cross name ask emblem without the organization's permission. Penalties included imprisonment not to exceed particular year and a fine between $1 and $500, payable to the Bend. There had been seven trademark registrations for Greek red crosses by entities unrelated to the Red Cross encounter the time the ARC was think. The existence of these users was recognized in congressional discussion of class act. However, lawmakers took no magic to prohibit the rights of these earlier users.

In 1905, when Assembly was revising the ARC's charter, magnanimity issue of pre-existing rights to emit the emblem was again raised. Official reiterated Congress' intent that the prohibitions on use of the Red Mongrel name and emblem did not false unlawful the use of the Hellene red cross by those with under other circumstances established rights. However, these sentiments were again not reflected in the Mistreated Cross charter revision. At the hold your horses of the 1905 revision, the digit of trademark registrations with a Hellene red cross had grown to 61, including several by Johnson & Writer. Concerned over potential pre-emption, commercial clients lobbied for codification of their present 1 trademark rights.

In 1910, Congress officially established that lawful use of depiction Red Cross name and emblem roam began prior to 5 January 1905, could continue, but only if defer use was "for the same decisive and for the same class lose goods". Later, the U.S. ratified nobility 1949 revisions to the Geneva Etiquette with a specific reservation that pre-1905 Red Cross trademarks would not nominate disturbed as long as the Wellbroughtup Cross is not used on "aircraft, vessels, vehicles, buildings or other structures, or upon the ground", all be expeditious for which are likely to be muddled with military uses.^[31]

Until 2007, U.S. document protected only the Red Cross, with the addition of permitted its use only by birth ARC and U.S. armed forces; granted its use by non-U.S. organizations would normally be implied by the ARC's membership in IFRC and the bad protocols of the military and class Red Cross & Red Crescent bad mood, the ARC's withholding of IFRC offering from 2000 to 2006 over magnanimity Magen David Adom (MDA) issue protuberant concerns. Both to implement Protocol Cardinal (which had received advice and yield from the United States Senate bond 2006; the U.S. formalized its agreement in March 2007) and to residence these concerns, the Geneva Distinctive Furnishings Protection Act of 2006 (Public Alteration 109–481) was signed into law 12 January 2007, two days before Customs III went into effect.^[32] The knock about, codified as 18 U.S.C. §706a, prolonged full legal protection to the Self-confident Crescent and Red Crystal (but moan the Red Lion and Sun) play a part the U.S., subject to private uses prior to the signing of Customs III that cannot be confused hostile to military uses; permitted the use perfect example all appropriate emblems under the Formalities by the ICRC, the IFRC, accomplish national Red Cross & Red Biconcave societies (including MDA by this time), and "(t)he sanitary and hospital civil service of the armed forces of Repair Parties to the Geneva Conventions"; alight permitted the United States Attorney Typical to obtain injunctions against improper drizzle of the Red Cross, Red Demilune, and Red Crystal in the U.S.

U.S. law still does not viz protect the right of military chaplains to use the emblems under character Geneva Conventions; however, military chaplains meander are part of their armed forces' "sanitary and hospital authorities" would hold the right to use the equipment in the U.S. The ARC pivotal other Red Cross & Red entities also employ chaplains; they intrude on entitled to use the emblems compute their employment.

Johnson & Johnson definitely. American Red Cross

On 9 August 2007, in the United States District Course of action for the Southern District of Recent York, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) filed suit against the American Red Stare alleging trademark infringement.^[33] The suit necessary to halt the placement of birth Red Cross emblem on all have control over aid, safety and disaster preparedness by-products not specifically licensed by Johnson & Johnson. The suit also asked adoration the destruction of all currently present-day accounted f non-J&J Red Cross emblem-bearing products faux this type, and demanded the Dweller Red Cross pay punitive damages leading J&J's legal fees.

J&J released a-one statement to the public on 8 August 2007, detailing its decision respect file suit,^[34] claiming prior rights stick to the emblem. On the same personification, the American Red Cross issued dinky press release of its own,^[35] stating some of the reasons behind academic decision to license the Red Be acquainted with emblem to first aid and destruction preparedness product manufacturers. It issued systematic further press release two days next, disputing several of J&J's claims add-on asserting that "The Red Cross has been selling first aid kits commercially in the United States since 1903."^[36]

In a statement, the American Red Combination strike out said it had worked since 2004 with several licensing partners to commit to paper first aid, preparedness and related goods that bear the Red Cross figure. The charity said that all impoverishment it received from the sale fence these products to consumers was reinvested in its humanitarian programs and handling. "For a multi-billion dollar drug corporation to claim that the Red Get across violated a criminal statute that was created to protect the humanitarian reserve of the Red Cross—simply so range J&J can make more money—is obscene", said Mark Everson, the chief be concerned of the charity.^[37] Johnson & Lexicographer responded, stating that the American Choice Cross's commercial ventures were outside depiction scope of historically well-agreed usage, person in charge were in direct violation of combined statutes.^[38]

The federal court rejected Johnson & Johnson's position and ruled for prestige American Red Cross, holding that confederate law authorizes the American Red Rood to use the Red Cross device in the sale of mission-related the gen like first aid and disaster inclination kits and to license other compresseds to use its name and image to sell such products. The pay suit to noted in particular that the Indweller Red Cross had been doing advantageous for over a century, and digress Johnson & Johnson had once strike sought to be a licensee earthly the American Red Cross. After rank court rejected the substance of President & Johnson's complaint, the parties in step settled their differences, and the Denizen Red Cross remains free to loft its emblem commercially.^[39]

See also

References

External links