Guidelines for Authorized Use of the 4-H Clover

National Website: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/emblem/4h_name.htm 

The 4-H Name and Emblem: Guidelines for Authorized Use

A document that articulates official statutes, regulations, and guidelines regarding the use of the 4-H Name and/or Emblem. 

To view the 4-H Name and Emblem Guidelines, download the following file: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/4-Hguidelines-v4-26-04.pdf

Brief reminders for proper use of the emblem:

Only use an official emblem graphic obtained from an authorized 4-H source which includes the language "18 USC 707" to the right
of the stem. You need to maintain the proper height and width proportions of the image. Text or graphics should never cross the clover emblem. Use of the 4-H clover as a desktop wallpaper or web page background is inappropriate.  Read the emblem guidelines carefully regarding commercial use of the name and emblem and production of items with the 4-H name or emblem.

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Green Ink Color: PMS 347

Federal Statute Protection and Penalties

The 4-H Name and Emblem are protected under federal statute (Title 18, U.S.C. 707) which states:

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.

Who Can Authorize the Use of the 4-H Name and/or Emblem?

Authorization for all uses of the 4-H name and/or Emblem must be granted by the following:

1. Interstate (two or more states)--U.S. Department of Agriculture
2. Intrastate (within one state boundary)--Cooperative Extension System Directors and Administrators at the state land-grant universities located in the state in which the 4-H Name and/or Emblem are to be used.
3. Within one county--Cooperative Extension System staff located in the county in which the 4-H Name and/or Emblem are to be used.

All use of the 4-H Name and/or Emblem must be approved prior to production and distribution, i.e., diversity, layouts, designs, and color. Plan on a lead time of two weeks for an appropriate review by our staff.

• California Request for a 4-H Name Charter (Word) (PDF)
• National 4-H Clover Guidelines (PDF)
• National Application to use the 4-H Name and Emblem (PDF)
• Tax Exempt Status of 4-H Organizations Authorized to use the 4-H Name and Emblem (PDF)
• Reporting Name and Emblem Violations (PDF)

Please submit review to:

Maria Arnold
Program Specialist, Families, 4-H and Nutrition
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
United States Department of Agriculture

Surface Mail:
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 2225
Washington, DC 20250-2225

Delivery Address (FedEx, UPS, etc.):
Waterfront Centre
800 9th St., S.W., Room 4401
Washington, DC 20024

By Fax: 202-720-9366

Contact for more information:
Maria Arnold, marnold@csrees.usda.gov
Phone: 202-720-8857