4-H Emblem Usage & Graphics Standards

This page is designed as a training tool to help agents, volunteers and youth understand the basics of the USDA guidelines governing the use of the 4-H name and emblem. There are some changes being discussed at a national level related to 4-H emblem protection. These pages will not be changed until those discussions are resolved. Questions can be directed to Lynnelle Mays, Florida 4-H Public Relations Coordinator, (352)846-0996 ext. 237, lmmays@ufl.edu. Don't forget to check out the powerpoint training presentation on use of the 4-H name and emblem. We also have links to the U.S. Department of Agriculture publication titled, "Tax Exempt Status of 4-H Organizations Authorized to Use the 4-H Name and Emblem" which is helpful for county 4-H foundations and county 4-H agents and the official USDA "4-H Name and Emblem Guidelines."

The 4-H Name and Emblem are protected under federal statute Title 18, U.S. Code 707. This statute protects other federal emblems, like the Seal of the President of the United States. Regulations on the use of the 4-H name and emblem state:

Whoever, with intent to defraud, wears or displays the sign or emblem of the 4-H clubs, consisting of a green four-leaf clover with stem, and the letter H in white or gold on each leaflet, or any insignia in colorable imitation thereof, for the purpose of inducing the belief that he is a member of, associated with, or an agent or representative for the 4-H clubs; or

Whoever, whether an individual, partnership, corporation or association, other than the 4-H clubs and those duly authorized by them, the representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture, the land-grant colleges, and persons authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture, uses, within the United States, such emblem or any sign, insignia, or symbol in colorable imitation thereof, or the words "4-H Club" or "4-H Clubs" or any combination of these or other words or characters in colorable imitation thereof --

Shall be fined not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for groups, or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Information located within this page:

What is the 4-H Name & Emblem?
How Do I Get Permission to Use the 4-H Name and Emblem?
Authorization for Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem
The Official 4-H Emblem
Use of the USDA "18 U.S.C. 707" Statement
Use the Whole Emblem
Keep it Upright
The Stem Points to the Right
Color
Distortion and Proportion
Using the 4-H Name
Using the 4-H Emblem on Web Sites
Use of the 4-H Name & Emblem by Professional Media
Using the 4-H Emblem on Collateral Items
Identification of the 4-H Name & Emblem with Commercial Products & Services
Using the 4-H Emblem in Animation
Using the 4-H Name & Emblem in Partnership with Others
Downloadable Graphics
Letter of the Law Vs. Spirit of the Law
UF & IFAS Graphic Guidelines
Questions or Comments

The Using the 4-H Name & Emblem guide is a quick reference handout that discusses many of the important guidelines about appropriate and legal use of the 4-H name & emblem. (PDF) This is the most current reference.

Download Official Emblems
Emblem graphics files for many uses - you must have proper authorization to use these emblem graphics.

Application for Use
Information and forms to apply for approval to use the 4-H name and emblem.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is the youth outreach from the Land Grant Universities, Cooperative Extension Services, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The 4-H Name & Emblem is intended to represent the ideals of the program with its focus on Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Today, it is one of the best-known and most valued images emblematic of a century of 4-H achievement. The 4-H Name & Emblem is very important to us as an organization because it represents who we are.

What is the 4-H Name & Emblem?

4-h The 4-H name and emblem are respected and revered by millions of people around the world who have been impacted by the 4-H Youth Development Program. The use of the 4-H name and emblem is very important to us as an organization, because the emblem represents who we are. By saying “4-H emblem” we are referring to a four-leafed clover with four letter “H”s on the leaves, which represents the 4-H youth development program. The term “4-H emblem” does not refer to a plain four-leafed clover which does not have letter “H”s on the leaves. The 4-H name and emblem are unique because they are protected by an act of the U.S. Congress, and there is a set of guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture governing use of the 4-H name and emblem. On this web page, we will give you a basic summary of the guidelines with examples. We thank you for your cooperation to ensure that the 4-H name and emblem are used appropriately and in accordance with USDA guidelines. We also encourage you to look at the official guidelines for use of the 4-H name and emblem issued by USDA. County 4-H agents in Florida have this document in their 4-H program handbook, and copies are available on the USDA web site and in the state 4-H office.

The official 4-H Emblem is a clover with four leaves and an “H” on each leaf. The clover’s stem must point to the right as you look at the image. The 4-H Emblem is not a plain four-leaf clover. The 4-H Emblem should appear in specific colors and in its entirety. The 4-H Name & Emblem belongs to the 4-H Youth Development Program, under the authority of USDA and anyone wishing to use it must obtain permission to use it ahead of time.
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How Do I Get Permission to Use the 4-H Name and Emblem?

It depends on who you are and for what reason you wish to use the 4-H Name & Emblem: 4-H Club or Program member or volunteer leader? Commercial vendor? Event, activity or program affiliated with 4-H? Private, non-profit organization?

If you are a 4-H member or volunteer, you are permitted to use the 4-H Name & Emblem once your program is chartered with the official 4-H Charter from National 4-H Headquarters at the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES), within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you are a commercial vendor, private organization or any other entity, you need to contact either the local Cooperative Extension Service office or the State 4-H Office to determine what steps you need to take for your use of the 4-H Name & Emblem. Anyone wishing to use the 4-H Name & Emblem in a way that does not specify a local or state program, should seek authorization to use the 4-H Name & Emblem from National 4-H Headquarters at USDA.

In all private and commercial use of the 4-H Emblem, the statement “18 USC 707” must legibly appear either to the right of the base of the stem or below the lower right leaf of the clover. In use internal to the Cooperative Extension System (all 4-H Youth Development programs and clubs duly given authorization to use the 4-H Name & Emblem) use of the statement is at the discretion of the State 4-H Program Leader, or for those uses that are multi-state, regional, or national in scope, at the discretion of National 4-H Headquarters.

Whoever uses such emblem or any sign, insignia, or symbol in colorable imitation thereof, or the words “4-H Club” or “4-H Clubs” or any combination of these or other words or characters in colorable imitation thereof, without being duly authorized, shall be fined not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for groups, or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Did You Know?

The 4-H Name & Emblem is a highly valued mark within our country’s history. As such, it was granted a very unique and special status; it is in a category similar to the Presidential Seal and the Olympic Emblem. This federal protection makes it a mark into and of itself with protection that supercedes the limited authorities of both a trademark and a copyright. As a result, responsibility and stewardship for the 4-H Name & Emblem were not given to the U.S. Patent Office but were given to a higher level of the federal government, a member of the Cabinet, the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary has responsibility for the 4-H Name and Emblem, at the direct request of Congress. The “18 USC 707” is the statement in the United States Code that outlines the protection of the 4-H Name & Emblem.

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Authorization for Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem

Authorizing others (those who are not official extension employees) to use the 4-H name and emblem is an important process described by USDA authorization guidelines. Authorization should be obtained in context with awards, books, booklets, posters, calendars, displays, banners, t-shirts, etc. produced by people and organizations who are not extension employees.

If the person requesting authorization will distribute a product at a county level, then the county 4-H program leader gives the authorization for the use of the 4-H name and emblem. Once distribution for an item crosses county or state lines, authorization is required at the USDA

www.national4-hheadquarters.gov

On rare occasions, individuals surface who are seeking to profit off the use of the 4-H name and emblem on a product without the appropriate authorization. If you are aware of such a case, please notify the state 4-H office immediately.

The majority of 4-H emblem mis-use and authorization problems occur out of ignorance, not out of malice. In the majority of cases, we are able to resolve mis-use and authorization problems in a friendly and beneficial manner. We have incidents every year where a company or individual uses the 4-H emblem without authorization on a product or service offer and attempts to market it to 4-H clubs, and the company finds out that it did not appropriately follow the authorization and receives a letter from us saying that they are not allowed to do this. Individuals and companies distributing products and services should carefully follow the guidelines.

In situations when a resolution can not be reached, the Dean for Extension has authority to issue a “cease and desist use of the 4-H name and emblem” letter. This is a rare occurrence but it can and does happen.
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The Official 4-H Emblem

The Official 4-H Emblem is a 4-leaf clover with an H in each leaf, the stem turned to the right. The Emblem may be two-dimensional (flat) or three dimensional (with shadows that show depth and perspective). Authorized users of the 4-H Emblem should take care to ensure that when they use the Emblem, they have done the following:

They have obtained the Official 4-H Emblem and are using it in its entirety.

They do not “flip” the image to create a framed look. The stem on the 4-H Emblem must point to the right as you look at the image. Under no circumstances should the stem be changed to point to the left.

They are familiar with resizing graphics through the software application being used, and do not distort or warp the dimensions of the Emblem.

The 4-H Emblem is never used to imply endorsement of any product or material.

They follow the graphic use guidelines outlined in this document, or for additional information, contact National 4-H Headquarters.

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Use of the USDA “18 U.S.C. 707” Statement

4-h The U.S. Department of Agriculture updated the guidelines for use of the 4-H name and emblem in 1999, asking 4-H units to add a statement saying “Protected Under 18 U.S.C. 707” when using the 4-H emblem. These guidelines have caused much discussion across the United States. USDA also issued new 4-H emblem camera-ready sheets which have the “18 U.S.C. 707” statement near the stem of the emblem. The “18 U.S.C. 707” statement should be used with the emblem when possible and appropriate for the audience. This provides additional legal protection to the emblem. When it is too small to be read on a publication or is inappropriate for use graphically, the legal protection statement can be placed with the legal verbage on the publication and does not have to appear directly attached to the clover. Emblems issued by National 4-H Council for the Are You Into It?^TM campaign are protected under the campaign’s trademark and can also be used.
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Use the Whole Emblem

The 4-H Emblem should always appear in its entirety - meaning it should always appear as a whole and complete image - the image recognized by millions of people. This means:

Don’t remove any leaves. If you are using a clover image that has an “H” on each leaf, the leaves cannot be removed or have another image superimposed over the top of one of the leaves. Other images should be moved and appear completely separate from the 4-H Emblem. This also means you shouldn’t “cut off” a leaf by running it off the edge of the paper in print media or other designs.

Appropriate

4-H 4-H

Inappropriate

violation
Don’t place text or other images over or on top of the 4-H Emblem. The 4-H Emblem should not appear screened under words or graphics. No photo, drawing, symbol, word or other figure or object may be placed on or obscure the 4-H Emblem. This includes on web pages, where it should not appear as a “watermark” behind other information.

There are occasional graphic situations which make it appear like artwork covers the emblem even though it does not—it is wise to avoid these situations so that one does not give the appearance of violating the 4-H emblem. For the example of inappropriate use below where text is screened on top of the emblem, the graphic could be brought into compliance by using a plain clover without “H”s instead of a 4-H emblem.

Appropriate

4-H

Inappropriate

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Keep it Upright

In general, the 4-H Emblem should not be rotated or turned on its side. There are some exceptions, such as on fabric where the emblem is scattered randomly across the fabric or in other random designs. If you are considering an exception, please contact the National 4-H Headquarters.
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The Stem Points to the Right

The stem on the clover should always point to the right if you are looking at the emblem.

Appropriate

4-H

It should not point to the left, like in the example below of inappropriate use.

Inappropriate

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Color

The 4-H emblem should be presented with the correct shade of green. There are several types of color specifications that can be used and they are listed below.

The 4-H Emblem should never be screened, shaded, gradated, or appear in a multi-colored hue. The official and preferred color of the 4-H Emblem is 100 percent PMS 347 green, (The H’s reversed out to the color of the paper on which the emblem is printed). The clover can also be white, black, or metallic gold. The H’s on the clover can be white, metallic gold (only on a green clover), green (only on a white clover), or black. The clover can be outlined in green (for white clover) or white (for green clover) to add prominence to the image and make the emblem stand out from the background.

One-color printing requires either PMS 347 green or black. For commercial applications, the “18 USC 707” notice should be the same color as the clover leaves. Black is the only acceptable alternative to green for one-color printing and should be used only when cost prohibits green ink or color photocopies.

Two-color printing—Only PMS 347 green may be used for the leaves and “18 USC 707” notice—the H’s will be reversed out of the PMS 347 to be white or the color of the paper on which the emblem is printed. The H’s may also be printed in metallic gold (PMS 873) on a green background.

Four-color process (full color printing)—In four-color process printing, PMS colors are approximated using a particular combination of the standard four-color process printing inks. The four-color process percentages required to match 4-H’s PMS 347 green are: cyan 100%, magenta 0%, yellow 90%, and black 0%. There is no CMYK equivalent to PMS 873.

Video and Computer Screen Colors (Electronic Media) The colors transmitted by electronic media are created using precise combinations of RGB (red, green, blue). The correct RGB values for the 4-H green are: R=51, G=153, B=102. No other colors are acceptable.

For exceptions to the guidance provided regarding color, especially in non-print or corollary materials, please contact National 4-H Headquarters.
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Distortion and Proportion

The appearance, shape, and proportion of the 4-H Emblem should never be distorted to fit in an imprint space. Do not make the 4-H Emblem longer, taller, wider, angled or squarer. Do not alter the shape in any way. The overall size of the 4-H Emblem may be changed, but the proportions must remain intact. All standard word processing software applications allow you to scale an image while maintaining its original proportions. Before rescaling the 4-H Emblem, please consult your software manual for proper instructions. Do not make the 4-H Emblem so small that the H’s are no longer clearly legible.
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Using the 4-H Name

The official 4-H Name includes 4-H, 4-H Youth Development, or 4-H Youth Development Program. When using the term “4-H” it must conform as follows:

• Numeral “4” separated from a capital “H” with a hyphen (not a dash, slash or space).

• It is well documented in English usage, as well as in the most familiar style manuals, that you should never begin a sentence with a numeral. To comply with this rule, you would need to begin a sentence using “Four-H.” This language rule, however, is contrary to the regulations set down for use of the 4-H Name & Emblem; if such a situation arises in writings, it is far better to re-word the sentence slightly to avoid the language rule. An exception to this would be in writing news headlines where the 4-H name would be better served by using the familiar numeral-hypen-letter combination to provide instant recognition.

• Do not use the 4-H Emblem in place of the word “4-H” in a title or text.

• Avoid separation of any of the elements of the 4-H Name at the end of sentences. This can sometimes be difficult because some software programs override user commands. Often, these overrides do not become visible until after printing or posting to a web page: careful scrutiny of text after trial printing or posting is advised. If such overrides occur, try rewording your sentence to keep the entire name on the same line or add a small word or space between words to force the separated portions together on the next line.

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Using the 4-H Emblem on Web Sites

The 4-H emblem is appearing on many web sites and we encourage the emblem’s use in this medium. The basic 4-H emblem graphic guidelines apply in cyberspace. This means that the emblem cannot be used as wallpaper on a web site if text or graphics will appear on top of the

Official web sites for county and state 4-H programs using the 4-H name and emblem are required to follow the USDA guidelines concerning identification of 4-H with commercial products or services. The University of Florida does not permit UF educational program web sites hosted on its domain to carry commercial advertising.
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Use of the 4-H Name & Emblem by Professional Media

It is appropriate for the 4-H name and emblem to be used by professional media (e.g. news reporters, television stations, etc.). Specific authorization is not required for use in media such as newspapers, periodicals, and radio and television programs, when such use is primarily for informational and educational purposes.
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Using the 4-H Emblem on Collateral Items

The 4-H Emblem can be used for collateral materials such as jewelry or fine art and may be made of metal (e.g. copper, bronze, gold or silver), glass, leather, or wood without conflicting with the color specifications for the 4-H Emblem. Ceramic, plaster, paper, fabric or any materials that are colored or painted must comply with the color specifications and all other guidelines.

Use of the emblem on fabric, whether painted, screen printed, embroidered, appliquéd, or some other technique, must accurately represent the 4-H Emblem in authorized colors and adhere to all other use guidelines. The 4-H Emblem is not open to reinterpretation or reconfiguration, regardless of its intended use, including the development of materials such as jewelry, sculpture, furniture, signage, crafts, or other fine art.
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Identification of the 4-H Name & Emblem with Commercial Products & Services

When selling a product or service as a fundraiser, the following disclaimer should be used, “A portion of the sales price of this product or service will be used to promote 4-H educational programs. No endorsement of the product or service by 4-H is intended or implied.”

When placing the 4-H name and logo next to a company or corporate logo, the 4-H name and emblem should be set apart distinctly. Except in unusual circumstances, the following statement should be used, “No endorsement of the product or service by 4-H is implied or intended.”

We also have a link to the USDA publication titled, "Tax Exempt Status of 4-H Organizations Authorized to Use the 4-H Name and Emblem" which is helpful for county 4-H foundations and county 4-H agents.
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Using the 4-H Emblem in Animation

Animation of the 4-H Name & Emblem is allowable provided that the animation is in keeping with the guidelines, and that at the end point of the animation (where the animated loop begins to repeat, if an ongoing loop), the 4-H Name & Emblem appear in a manner that meets all guidelines for its use. Effects that may be used as part of an animation loop include: swivel and rotate, transition and dissolve, fly-by, layer, and posterization.

Animation may also show the 4-H Emblem on a waving flag, on a float that is partially hidden by crowds watching a parade, being placed in a box or behind a curtain, twirling as it “dances,” “separating” as it forms the doors opening to welcome you to the 4-H Program, be partially hidden as it forms the backdrop for a youth speaking about 4-H, slowly come into focus or formation as the 4-H Emblem from an amorphous or other background, or completing itself as the clover leaves are added one by one to form the 4-H Emblem and each “H” is explained. In each of these cases, the 4-H Emblem may be temporarily blocked, in whole or in part, or have its shape altered. The end point of the animation must still comply with the guidelines.

For additional information or guidance related to animation applications for the 4-H Name & Emblem, contact National 4-H Headquarters.
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Using the 4-H Name & Emblem in Partnership with Others

The 4-H Name & Emblem may be used in conjunction with the names, emblems, and word marks of other organizations and programs when 4-H is a partner, co-author, sponsor, or supporter or in some other official relationship. When feasible, the nature of the relationship among the organizations or programs should be clearly defined (e.g., in partnership with, sponsored by, etc.), and the 4-H Emblem should be given prominence consistent with its role in the relationship.

The 4-H Emblem should not be used or integrated into a larger design in such a manner that it becomes difficult to recognize or distinguish, or that is not consistent with the graphic guidelines for use of the 4-H Emblem.

To avoid the appearance of endorsement of a program, product, or service, the 4-H Emblem may not be incorporated into a larger design of a program, product, or service that is protected by trademark, service mark, copyright, or other similar laws. It is not acceptable to incorporate the 4-H Emblem into any other organization’s logo or emblem. The authority for determining the proper display and use of the 4-H Emblem rests with National 4-H Headquarters.

Permission to use the 4-H Name & Emblem is not required when the 4-H Name & Emblem is used to link to an official 4-H website in keeping with the policies and guidelines of National 4-H Headquarters.
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Downloadable Graphics

The official 4-H Emblem and versions for print and the web are available for download at:
http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/emblem/4h_emblems.htm.

Each of the download files contains both black and white, and two-color and three-color versions of the 4-H Emblem in EPS, TIFF and GIF formats, for Mac and PC. The EPS files are especially suited for “Postscript” printers and Mac-based units. In general, TIFF files may be used with any printer type. Test both formats with your software and printer to find which yields the best results.
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Letter of the Law Vs. Spirit of the Law

Some have been tempted to comply with the USDA ruling by using the new “protected under” emblem, even if the statement is printed in type so small, that it cannot be read. This use of the “protected under” statement provides no legal protection to the emblem, and in effect, damages the emblem’s appearance because it appears to be a smudge or printing error. This is to be avoided and the statement can be placed elsewhere if needed.
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UF & IFAS Graphic Guidelines

Programs sponsored by and for the University of Florida, including the 4-H Youth Development Program, should comply with the University ’s identity and graphic standards. In virtually all cases, it is not permissible for the seal to be removed from the UF wordmark and used on publications. Unless you are named the University of Florida registrar and are in charge of printing diplomas, you should not be issuing documents with the University's seal on them, you should be using the University of Florida signature.

The use of the old outdated IFAS logo (square box with outline of Florida in it and IFAS underneath) is not permissible, because the University requires programs to be identified with the UF wordmark. If you have this old IFAS logo on your publications, please use up your publications. If you need to reproduce publications which carry the old IFAS logo, you can strip onto the document a UF Extension wordmark with a current extension publication statement. These are available from IFAS Communication Services (352) 392-2411.

UF wordmarks are available in digital and camera-ready formats from IFAS Communication Services. It is important to ensure that the 4-H emblem is appropriately portrayed in conjunction with the University’s identity and that the relationship between the 4-H program and the University of Florida are clear.
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Questions or Comments

If you have questions about use of the 4-H name and emblem guidelines, please contact Lynnelle Mays, Florida 4-H Public Relations Coordinator, 3103 McCarty Hall, PO Box 110225, Gainesville, FL 32611-0225, phone (352) 846-0996, fax (352) 846-0999, lmmays@ufl.edu. We are glad to assist you in bringing items into compliance with the guidelines. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure that the 4-H name and emblem are used appropriately, in accordance with guidelines and in a manner reflecting the dignity and pride all of us feel about the 4-H program. Don't forget to visit the Florida 4-H Graphics & Clip Art Gallery.
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