Organizational Identity

The presentation of BSA proprietary marks, words, and phrases on this Web site should not be construed as an actual or implied release to use these marks without written authorization.

This guide is designed to help BSA units and media use the identity of the Boy Scouts of America and its programs accurately and consistently. These general guidelines are not intended to elaborate on technical detail but to offer sufficient information to prevent the incorrect use of these trademarks and signatures. Of course, every application of these should strengthen the organization's image and must be done with care and the highest quality standards.

The key to the success of any organization identity or program logo is the proper, consistent, and uniform use of the trademarks and signatures by everyone involved with the development of communication materials. Conscientiously abiding by the principles set forth in this guide will ensure the consistency of visual signals that are vital to the effective communication of our organization and program identities.

Please note that in 1916, in order to protect the proprietary marks of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the U.S. Congress granted the BSA a federal charter (36 USC § 21 et. seq.), which gives the BSA "the exclusive right to use emblems, badges, descriptive or designating marks, and words and phrases [the BSA] adopts."

In effect, almost any logo or symbol that reasonably relates to the Boy Scouts of America or its program is protected. Accordingly, anyone seeking to use any symbols, words, or phrases that might reasonably be related to the BSA and its programs should contact the Boy Scouts of America Legal Department at 972-580-2000 to obtain permission in advance for such use. For information on licensing BSA symbols, words, or phrases, visit www.bsalicensing.org. If you are aware of the unauthorized use of these trademarks, please contact the BSA immediately by linking to bsalicensing.org--Unauthorized Use Form.

No council, unit, or third party may use BSA proprietary marks for any commercial purposes (e.g., manufacturing, creating, or selling items bearing BSA proprietary marks or manufacturing or otherwise creating items that could potentially be for resale), nor may any organization other than the BSA National Council authorize such rights, either actual or implied, to any third party.

Table of Contents

• Boy Scouts of America Identity Components
  • Boy Scouts of America Signature Usage
  • Boy Scout Badges of Rank
• Cub Scouting Identity Components
  • Cub Scouting Trademark Usage
  • Cub Scout Badges of Rank
• Venturing Identity Components
  • Venturing Signature Usage
• Strategic Plan Identity Components
  • Strategic Plan Trademark Usage
• Copyright and Trademark Protection
• Trademark and Signature Artwork

Additional Resources

• The Language of Scouting - this is the definitive guide to the correct use of Scouting terms.
• BSA Licensing - If you wish to use the marks, registered words, phrases or insignia used by Boy Scouts of America, visit this site for detailed information.