Surplus Today:

Have you ever thought about the proper way to greet a Marine? Would you salute? Shake their hand? From what I have learned, if you are not in the Marines, you should shake their hand and thank them for their service. I pose this question to capture your attention after meeting two dignified, well-spoken Marine gentleman. I initially felt the urge to salute them, but decided it might not be the proper protocol. As it turned out, I was correct.

During the annual ANM Expo Trade Show held on Jan 13-20, 2013 in Las Vegas, I was honored to interview both LtCol Matt McLaughlin, Deputy for the Corps’ Trademark Office, and Phil Greene, the Corp’s Trademark Attorney. Our purpose was to gather and share information on obtaining a license to use the Marine Corps brand on products, marketing, and other resources for both commercial and personal purposes.

Could you give me a little background on the Marine Corps emblem?

Answer: “The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA) is the official emblem of the United States Marine Corps. In 1776, the device consisted of a “fouled anchor” of silver or pewter. (A fouled anchor is an anchor which has one or more turns of the chain around it). The fouled anchor still forms a part of the emblem today.” The designs and ornaments originated with early Continental Marines as well as British Royal Marines. Changes were made in 1798, 1821, and 1824. In 1834, it was prescribed that a brass eagle be worn on the hat. In 1868, the emblem was again re-designed. On June 22, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an Executive Order, which approved the design of an official seal for the United States Marine Corps.

Why do people need a license?

Answer: The USMC Trademark Licensing Program exists to regulate the usage of Marine Corps trademarks such as the Eagle, Globe and Anchor worldwide.

The Marine Corps is a branch of the armed forces that deserves respect and honor for all the brave individuals who have served under its banner. Unfortunately, the motto of “anything goes” in today’s world often does not uphold and portray these same values. Thus, in 2009 Ms. Jessica O’Haver was hired to start-up a trademark office to ensure that this honor and respect continue.

What is the advantage of obtaining licensure?

Answer: You will help ensure the integrity of the brand in the marketplace, avoid penalties, honor the brave Marines who serve the United States of America and support programs that provide morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) for active duty Marines.

The Marine Corps does not profit from licensing, but rather uses the royalties collected to fund the trademark program and augment MWR programs.

What types of licenses do you offer?

Answer: Our standard licensees generally bring in more than $50K in annual net sales of USMC-marked products or have a total annual sales volume of more than $5 million.

To qualify for our small business license, a potential licensee generally forecasts net annual sales of less than $50K of USMC marked products. To qualify for our hobbyist license, a potential licensee must earn less than $5K in annual sales of USMC marked products and manufacture at home (home-crafter).

How do I go about getting licensure?

Answer: Write to…

 

Trademark and Licensing Office

3000 Marine Corps

Pentagon, Rm 4A532

Washington, DC 20350

Call: 703.614.7678, fax 703.697.5362

If I would like further information or have any questions, whom should I contact?

You can visit the website:

www.marines.mil/trademark. This is a very detailed source to answer your questions, or you can contact Matthew at matthew.p.mclaughlin@usmc.mil

Surplus Today would like to extend our thanks for the opportunity to discuss this information with LtCol McLaughlin and 

Mr. Greene.