The seal, emblem, name, and initials of the U.S. Marine Corps are all federally protected insignia and prior to their use, approval from the Commandant of the Marine Corps is needed.

Section 7881(b) of Title 10, United States Code, and regulations published at 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 765 (1993), prohibit any use or imitation of the Marine Corps name, initials, or insignia in connection with any activity tending to suggest such use is approved, authorized, or endorsed by the Marine Corps without written permission from this Headquarters.

No request for permission is required when a use of the Marine Corps emblem, name, or initials includes the prominent display of the following disclaimer:

"Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this product/service/activity."

In regards to permission for use of the Marine Corps name or emblem, all written correspondence should be directed to the following address: Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARDE), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 2 Navy Annex, Washington, DC 20380-1775. Again, please note that no permission is required when the above disclaimer is employed.

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