Church of God Receives Official Patent on Logo
The Legal Services office of the Church of God has received notification that a secondary logo has been trademarked for the Church of God by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The official logo of the Church of God remains the recognizable cross and flame adopted in 1986, the year of the Centennial celebration of the denomination. The newly-registered logo is an alternative to the original and incorporates a “stylized globe” superimposed over the official logo.
“Ever since it was introduced about ten years ago, this secondary logo has been a widely accepted and popular version of the original,” stated General Overseer Mark Williams. “It is particularly relevant when we speak of the international reach of the Church of God and how we have a presence in nearly 180 countries around the world.”
One of the first uses of the new logo was when the International Offices campus was expanded between 2002-2005. It appeared on a new sign unveiled during that period and, of particular note, on the rooftop of the newly-remodeled four story former headquarters building, which was re-dedicated as the World Evangelization Center on September 27, 2005.
“Obtaining a federal service mark for this secondary logo has been a priority since its use has increased over the last decade,” stated Dennis Watkins, legal counsel for the Church of God. “Official registration of names and logos is important to protect the integrity of usage. Without it, possibly any person, church or organization could attempt to register the logo and thereby force us to stop using it.”
Watkins noted that there have even been legal challenges to the use of the name “Church of God.” The name was first used by the denomination in 1907.
“There are numerous organizations that use ‘Church of God’ somewhere in their names,” Watkins noted. In the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the denomination is officially registered as “Church of God (Tennessee non-profit corporation) with its accompanying logos.”
The official registration of the logo allows local churches to incorporate the logo on anything that represents their congregation, including signs, publications and specialty items where the logo is not altered. Examples might include Sunday school banners, T-shirts or coffee mugs or other items which promote a positive image of the Church of God. However, it would not include a business using the logo for profit.
The new logo is available for download on the Church of God website under the RESOURCES tab, and by clicking on the Media/logos link.
