[HISTORY: Adopted by the Suffolk County Legislature 10-13-1988 by L.L. No.
34-1988 (Ch. 417 of the 1985 Code). Amendments noted
where applicable. Uncodified sections of local laws amending these
provisions are included at the end of this chapter.]
A.Â
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that recent instances
involving the unauthorized use of the Suffolk County Seal have raised
serious questions in the minds of the public regarding what functions
are perceived to be official County governmental actions as opposed
to private or individual activities.
B.Â
This Legislature further finds and determines that any use of the
Suffolk County Seal which implies County sanction of a private function,
commercial entity or political activity violates the proper use of
the Suffolk County Seal.
C.Â
Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to establish standards,
guidelines and parameters for the proper use of the Suffolk County
Seal.
A.Â
The Suffolk County Seal shall be the sole and exclusive property
of the County of Suffolk, together with all proprietary, tangible
and intangible rights that may be associated with or derived out of
the ownership of said Seal.
B.Â
The Suffolk County Seal may only be affixed to documents of Suffolk
County government, materials provided by Suffolk County government
or products produced or provided by Suffolk County government, or
of any agency, board, commission, division, office or entity thereof
as authorized and approved by the Suffolk County Legislature.
C.Â
The Suffolk County Seal shall not be reproduced by any individual,
partnership, firm, corporation, unincorporated association, joint-stock
association, joint venture, nonprofit corporation, not-for-profit
corporation, other private entity or business organization of any
kind, municipal subdivision or state government for commercial or
private purposes.
D.Â
The Suffolk County Seal may be reproduced by any individual, partnership,
firm, corporation, unincorporated association, joint-stock association,
joint venture, nonprofit corporation, not-for-profit corporation,
other private entity or business organization of any kind, municipal
subdivision or state government for commemorative programs or historical
events of Countywide interest and concern if approved via a duly enacted
resolution of the Suffolk County Legislature upon such terms and conditions
as the County Legislature may deem appropriate. Such terms shall include,
but not be limited to, provisions requiring payment to the County
of Suffolk of a pro rata share of any earnings generated from the
use of said Seal by the person or entity described above and authorized
to use said Seal.
Any intentional and knowing violation of the provisions of § 726-2 of this chapter shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year for each such violation.
This chapter shall apply to any actual or purported use of the
Suffolk County Seal which occurs on or after the effective date of
this chapter.