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Are there any rules governing the S&C to how it can be designed/used? Any copyright to it?
Myself and two brothers are starting a business and while all three of us want to incorporate the S&C into our logo, one of us is standoffish (even though there are 10,000+ sketches of the S&C in different designs EVERYWHERE) he's hesitant cause he feels the symbolism is diminished if the S&C is changed in any way beyond the traditional look and feel.
Well, Brother Kyle, the only "Rule" I know lies in our obligation... I will not, print, paint, cut, carve...blah blah blah (you get the idea) - However, as I see it, that rule anymore is a "Spit-on-the-sidewalk" rule...its on the books but not exactly enforced. Especially with the CGI Graphics and internet now, how could you POSSIBLY enforce a rule like that contained in our obligation. IMHO
I dont think the S&C would really be considered part of the obligation (unless its being defaced by grafitti or used in another anti-masonic way, kinda like defacing the US Flag. It isnt improper to display it, just to disrespect it) due to the fact that every GL uses the symbol. I think it refers more to what is done in secret whereby one mason knows another.
But I just didnt know of there was an actual GL copyright or something. I know we dont have a governing GL except per state, but you know what I mean.
In Connecticut, we try to discourage people from using the S&C as a business logo, or to allow them to use Masonic phrases.
Oh, wait - here it is: Section 8000. Masonic Advertising Prohibited.
Any Mason exhibiting Masonic emblems upon signs, place of business, advertisements, business cards, flags or banners, other than Masonic processions, or using the words Brother, Worshipful Brother, Right Worshipful Brother, Most Worshipful Brother, or any variation, and/or reference thereto, for commercial or other business enterprises where personal gain is involved, shall be guilty of un-masonic conduct.
You might want to check your own GL rules in case there is something like this.
Thanks bro, I'm glad you saw this question. I just sent an email to the webmaster of our GL, he is usually the goto guy. I guess once I find the answer I'll post it in the NC Freemasons forum for the reference for other brothers.
You can use the mark, the S&C as it is not a registered mark by any GL or person, that is the actual devices themselves.
The point of concern is that the mark will be indelibly linked to you, your business, your business practices, etc... The reason I mention this is that people in the “know” will associate the business and the work it performs with the S&C mark, for good and for bad. I could be a great association for you and the fraternity, or bad, depending on the outcome.
My rule of thumb has been for my endeavors, as a mason, for masons, I chose to use the S&C in my mark, which I registered. There was no problem from the USPTO to copyright it, as it was “unique” and did not infringe on any other registered mark.
This was something I had asked a while back (2005) and detail some of what I found out here:
Thanks man. Yeah, our target audiences is other masonic branches and would include fundraising, event planning and of course custom merchandise, but masons and their families would be the only market we'd look to attract so it really wouldnt matter the people that have a negative perception of the craft (anti masons).
The other thing is that because of the above, our business practices will be fair and honest. In fact since we will be working with or SR and BL in the beginning for references and at times to try out new products, if our characters and morals were to go out the window so would our masonic status and our customer base.
Bro. Kissmann,
There is no copy right laws on my masonic logo's. But i think you can get your designs copy righted in DC. I am starting my own masonic wear business in Durham. Let chat sometime by email conrad27713@yahoo.com
Cory Sigler
created this social network on Ning. 
