Manual of Procedure

USE AND PROTECTION OF THE ROTARY MARKS
The word “Rotary” and the Rotary emblem are registered as trademarks and
service marks in over 75 countries, and that number grows each year. Other Rotary
Marks are also registered but on a more limited basis. The registration of RI’s
intellectual property enhances the association’s exclusive use of the marks and
strengthens RI’s position to prevent misuse by other individuals and entities. (RCP
34.010.) RI also protects the Rotary Marks by registering domain names, by licensing
the right to use the Rotary Marks on goods and in publications, by creating
guidelines for their use by the members, and by monitoring and policing the use of
the same or similar marks by third parties.
REPRODUCING THE ROTARY MARKS
As part of its commitment to strengthening Rotary, RI has developed comprehensive
guidelines to help achieve a coordinated global Rotary message. You can
strengthen Rotary by using the new Tell Rotary’s Story: Voice and Visual Identity
Guidelines for Rotarians (547A) when developing your club and district materials.
Rotary Colors
The official colors of RI are royal blue and gold. (80-102)
Tell Rotary’s Story: Voice and Visual Identity Guidelines for Rotarians (547A)
gives further specifications for reproducing the Rotary emblem and guidelines for
maintaining a standardized, coordinated identity for all Rotary materials.
Alteration, Modification, or Obstruction of the Rotary Marks
The Rotary name, Rotary emblem, and other Rotary Marks should not be altered,
modified, or obstructed in any way or reproduced other than in their complete
form. (RCP 33.010.1., 33.030.6., 33.030.8.) The Rotary emblem or any other Rotary
Mark may be overwritten (watermarked, printed, screened, or embossed) provided
the Rotary Mark is not otherwise partially covered or obstructed. (RCP 11.040.6.,
33.030.14.)
Current information for accurate reproduction of the Rotary Marks, specifications
for reproducing the Rotary emblem, guidelines for maintaining a standardized,
coordinated identity for all Rotary materials, and allowances for modifying
the Rotary Mark may be found in Tell Rotary’s Story: Voice and Visual Identity
Guidelines for Rotarians (547A).
USE OF THE ROTARY MARKS BY ROTARY CLUBS, ROTARY DISTRICTS, AND
OTHER ROTARY ENTITIES
On its own, the word “Rotary” normally refers to the entire organization, Rotary
International and/or The Rotary Foundation. It also means the ideals and principles
of the organization. Use of the word “Rotary” by itself is limited to the uses
approved in the RI constitutional documents or authorized by the RI Board. Clubs
and groups of clubs should use only the name under which they were organized by
RI. (RCP 33.030.6., 33.040., 33.040.6., 33.040.12.)
The term “Rotarian” is used exclusively to designate a member of a Rotary club
and in the name of the official magazine, The Rotarian. (80-102, RIC 13, RCP
33.040.14., 51.010.2.)
Project and Program Names and Materials
Board guidelines specify that, in naming an activity, project, or program, a Rotary
club, Rotary district, or other Rotary Entity must use the name of the Rotary
Entity, and not just the word “Rotary.” Identifying a project or program only with
“Rotary” or the Rotary emblem could signal that it is an RI project or program,
especially because the Rotary emblem includes the words “Rotary International.”
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