The F*deral Bur*au of Inv*stigations

Date:May 25, 2004 / year-entry #204
Tags:non-computer
Orig Link:https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20040525-00/?p=39183
Comments:    12
Summary:According to the Chicago Division, Use of the NAME, INITIALS, or SEAL of the F*I is restricted by law and may be used only with written permission of the F*I. Asterisks inserted to avoid being arrested by the F*I for using their name and initials without written permission. (I hope they don't go after me...

According to the Chicago Division,

Use of the NAME, INITIALS, or SEAL of the F*I
is restricted by law
and may be used only with written permission of the F*I.

Asterisks inserted to avoid being arrested by the F*I for using their name and initials without written permission.

(I hope they don't go after me for using their initials without permission late last year.)

Comments (12)
  1. Ilya Ryzhenkov says:
    May 25, 2004 at 7:51 am

    What if my name were Feudor Borisovich Ivanov? How could I write my initials? ;)

  2. Jeff Clark says:
    May 25, 2004 at 8:11 am

    Yeah and make sure you contact the NFL, NHL, NBA etc before taping any of their events too.

  3. Ken says:
    May 25, 2004 at 8:33 am

    I suspect they mean it in the sense of representing yourself as having their authority – impersonating an officer or whatnot.

    It certainly is worded vaugely, though.

  4. Erbo says:
    May 25, 2004 at 8:37 am

    Or maybe they mean using them in a commercial context, i.e., selling jackets that say "___" (the three initials in question) on the back.

  5. James Day says:
    May 25, 2004 at 9:29 am

    http://resource.lawlinks.com/Content/Legal_Research/US_code/Title_18/title_18_33.htm

    Title 18 Chapter 33 Section 709 (18 USC 709):

    "Whoever, except with the written permission of the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, knowingly uses the words ”Federal Bureau of Investigation” or the initials ”F.B.I.”, or any colorable imitation of such words or initials, in connection with any advertisement, circular, book, pamphlet or other publication, play, motion picture, broadcast, telecast, or other production, in a manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that such advertisement, circular, book, pamphlet or other publication, play, motion picture, broadcast, telecast, or other production, is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation;"

    So, saying "Up the FBI" is fine, whether accompanied by a raised finger or cheering, since neither is likely to convey the approval, endorsement or authorization of the FBI. Particularly the former.

    [link repaired by Raymond]

  6. The Other John says:
    May 25, 2004 at 9:46 am

    Isn’t this along the lines of Intel trademarking the letter I? Sure, it sounds silly when you read the sweeping statement, but enforcement of such things always depends on context.

    I like to think that there is SOME common sense left in the world, evidence to the contrary notwithstanding.

  7. Raymond Chen says:
    May 25, 2004 at 10:17 am

    "Common sense" + "government agency" = ?

  8. Mat says:
    May 25, 2004 at 10:45 am

    There ya go, drink the kool-aid.

    I guess that’s the thing — they don’t want perps mingling with peeps just cuz they got a new jacket that sports the F*I logo.

    And why not Intel? Hasn’t Microsoft trademarked M$?

    Just kiddin’

  9. ed says:
    May 25, 2004 at 12:10 pm

    As opposed to these simple guidelines:

    http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/ip/trademarks/winguide.asp

  10. Jonathan Payne says:
    May 25, 2004 at 1:11 pm

    Common sense" + "government agency" = ?

    Will the Longhorn version of calc.exe be able to answer these questions (now that would be a useful feature)?

  11. Gernot says:
    May 25, 2004 at 5:23 pm

    "I like to think that there is SOME common sense left in the world…."

    Remember that common sense it not so common anymore.

  12. David S says:
    May 25, 2004 at 12:02 pm

    Jeff-

    The NFL/NBA/NHL/MLB just tell you you can’t rebroadcast it. Recording it and watching it at your convenience doesn’t constitute a re*broadcast*.

    Basically covering their asses from letting any channel show their games and/or highlights.

Comments are closed.


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