CHAPTER 4. Insignia [21300. - 21310.]

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP 4.
in effect

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21300. Section 21300.

As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) “Association” includes any lodge, order, beneficial association, fraternal or beneficial society or association, historical, military, or veterans organization, labor union, foundation, or federation, or any other society, organization, or association, or degree, branch, subordinate lodge, or auxiliary thereof. (b) “Insignia” includes badge, motto, button, decoration, charm, emblem, or rosette.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21301. Section 21301.

Any association, the principles and activities of which are not repugnant to the Constitution or laws of the United States or of this State, may register in the office of the Secretary of State a facsimile or description of its name or insignia and may by reregistration alter or cancel it.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21302. Section 21302.

An association shall not be permitted to register any name or insignia similar to or so nearly resembling another name or insignia already registered as may be likely to deceive.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21303. Section 21303.

Application for registration, alteration, or cancellation shall be made by the chief officer or officers of the association, upon a form prescribed to be provided by the Secretary of State. The registration shall be for the use and benefit and on behalf of the association, the individual members, and those hereafter to become members thereof.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21304. Section 21304.

The Secretary of State shall charge and collect a fee as set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 12191 of the Government Code for each registration made under this chapter.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21306. Section 21306.

The Secretary of State shall keep a properly indexed record of the registrations provided for by this chapter, which record shall also show any altered or canceled registration.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21307. Section 21307.

Any person who willfully wears, exhibits, or uses for any purpose a name or insignia registered under this chapter, unless he is entitled to use, wear, or exhibit the name or insignia under the constitution, bylaws, or rules of the association which registered it, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by fine of not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed 60 days.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21308. Section 21308.

Any court of competent jurisdiction may restrain by injunction: 1. The wearing or use of the insignia of any association, unless the person wearing or using the insignia is entitled to wear or use the insignia under the constitution, by-laws or rules of the association. 2. The use of the name of any association in a commercial venture, trade or business or in the solicitation of subscriptions for or advertising in any newspaper or other publication or in the solicitation of donations by any person representing directly or indirectly that such commercial venture, trade or business, newspaper or other publication or donation or solicitation for donation, is sponsored, endorsed or being offered by any association, unless the person so using the name is entitled to use the name under the constitution, by-laws or rules of the association or by the written consent of such association to such use.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21309. Section 21309.

In any action under Section 21308 it is not necessary to allege or prove actual damages or the threat thereof, or actual injury or the threat thereof to the plaintiff, but in addition to injunctive relief any plaintiff in any such action is entitled to recover the amount of the actual damages, if any, sustained by such plaintiff.

Cal. Corporations Code - CORP § 21310. Section 21310.

The use of the name or insignia of any association by any person not entitled to use the same under the constitution, by-laws, rules or regulations of the association or by the written consent of such association, is presumptive evidence of the unlawful use of or traffic in such name or insignia.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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