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Vatican Will Require Permission For Use of Pope's Name, Photo, Coat of Arms

By Howard M. Friedman

Zenit reports that the Vatican issued an announcement Saturday indicating that the Holy See will be taking steps to protect its intellectual property rights in the name, picture and coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican Press Office said that "the use of anything referring directly to the person or office of the Supreme Pontiff -- his name, his picture or his coat of arms -- and/or the use of the title 'Pontifical,' must receive previous and express authorization from the Holy See." The Vatican is particularly concerned with "use the Pope's name in the title of universities, schools or cultural institutions, as well as associations, foundations and other groups." [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 23, 2009 (boomark / email).