The Untold Truth Of Smokey Bear

Over the years, the Smokey Bear campaign has enjoyed tremendous success, as reported by the Seattle Times. He's had a balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and even graced a Walt Disney short film. But all this popularity came with the potential for copyright infringement.

Over the years, the Smokey Bear campaign has enjoyed tremendous success, as reported by the Seattle Times. He's had a balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and even graced a Walt Disney short film. But all this popularity came with the potential for copyright infringement.

Federal law prohibits individuals from using the Smokey Bear likeness, which is administered by the National Association of State Foresters, the USDA Forest Service, and the Ad Council. According to the 18-page Smokey Bear Guidelines, "Today, Smokey Bear is a highly recognized advertising symbol and is protected by Federal law (PL 82-359, as amended by PL 93-318)" (via the Bureau of Indian Affairs).

For those who wear the Smokey Bear costume for the USFS, there's a guidebook with strict etiquette rules, too. The Seattle Times notes that only USFS and state forestry agencies may own Smokey Bear costumes, and that these costumes must be ordered solely through "authorized manufacturers." The costumes must also have the traditional Smokey Bear "look," including dark brown fur, blue jeans, a gold-colored belt buckle, and a tan ranger hat. Not only must the costume be protected from vandalism and theft, but in a strangely poetic twist when it's time to retire it, cremation is the only authorized method.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qL7Up56eZpOkunCBmGtwb2hfqbWmedSnq6iklGLBs8HToWSonl2ourC3xLJkm52Rp3w%3D

 Share!