Name and Emblem Policy For Members

Members of the Knights of Columbus should understand the policies governing the use of the name, emblems, logos, and other intellectual property of the Knights of Columbus.

The Board of Directors Controls the Marks

Subordinate Units do not own the name, emblem or other trademarks (collectively “the Marks”) or other intellectual property of the Knights of Columbus. Nor do individual members, whether First Degree Knights or Supreme Officers. The Marks belong to the Knights of Columbus and are under the control of the Board of Directors.

Members are permitted to use the Marks in accord with the terms described in this policy and those found on the Officers’ Desk Reference.

Who Can (and Cannot) Use the Marks?

Although the Board of Directors maintains exclusive control over the Order’s intellectual property, the Board has granted certain entities limited permission to use the Marks. Below is a summary list of individuals and entities who can and cannot use the Marks.

Subordinate Units are permitted to use the Marks for “Ordinary Fraternal Use.” If the proposed use does not constitute Ordinary Fraternal Use, then the Subordinate Unit must request permission from the Board of Directors.
Individual members are not permitted to use the Order’s Marks, except in connection with the approved activities of their Subordinate Unit or the Supreme Council.
Home Corporations may never use the intellectual property of the Knights of Columbus. Home Corporations are third party entities that exist outside of the Order’s fraternal structure and have no right to use the Order’s intellectual property.
Vendors and Other Third Party Organizations are not permitted to use the Order’s intellectual property unless and until they receive express written permission from the Board of Directors.
Insurance Agents are not permitted to use the intellectual property of the Knights of Columbus, except in connection with ordinary business of the Knights of Columbus insurance program as authorized by the Home Office.

Subordinate Units Can Use the Marks for “Ordinary Fraternal Use”

The Board of Directors has granted limited permission to Subordinate Units to use the Marks, including the name and emblem of the Knights of Columbus, in connection with any activity that constitutes “Ordinary Fraternal Use.” The official license for such use may be found here.

“Ordinary Fraternal Use” means the use of the Marks in connection with activities or programs approved by a Subordinate Unit or by the Supreme Council to accomplish one or more of the following objectives:

Increasing public recognition of the Order, consistent with the Catholic mission and identity of the Knights of Columbus
Promoting charitable, fundraising, or civic activity, consistent with the Catholic mission and identity of the Knights of Columbus
Enhancing the fraternal bond among members of a Subordinate Unit
Cultivating goodwill among members of a Subordinate Unit and the parish(es) directly served by that Subordinate Unit

As part of Ordinary Fraternal Use, Subordinate Units are permitted to produce and display publications, advertisements, and correspondence containing the Order’s trademarks to promote the fraternal, charitable, and evangelical mission of the Knights of Columbus, such as:

Flyers, signs, and other printed materials promoting the programs, events, or activities of the Subordinate Unit;
Letterhead, envelopes, business cards, stationary, etc.;
Websites, social media sites like Facebook® or X, and apps providing information and education (but NOT advertising for a third-party product or service, or links to the same);
Forms and brochures;
Newsletters;
Annual reports.

Under Ordinary Fraternal Use Subordinate Units are also permitted to use or display Knights-of-Columbus-branded apparel, banners, and merchandise. However, Subordinate Units are not permitted to produce or commission branded apparel, banners, and merchandise, other than through vendors approved by the Board of Directors. Subordinate Units are expected to go to one of the Order’s official, licensed vendors for their apparel, banner, and merchandise needs. The Order’s authorized vendors are listed under the “Vendors and Merchandise” entry in the Name and Emblem section of the Officers’ Desk Reference.

If an authorized vendor is unable to provide what a Subordinate Unit needs, a request may be submitted to nameandembleminquiries@kofc.org; upon review, the Office of the Supreme Secretary may grant a one-time license to a third-party vendor for that item. Without a license, third-party vendors are not permitted to produce KofC-branded merchandise. Licenses for the use of the Marks on gravestones, cakes, or similar items may also be obtained by emailing nameandembleminquiries@kofc.org.

Use of the Marks to promote any private business interest, personal enterprise, or political cause NEVER constitutes Ordinary Fraternal Use, even if the activity is expected to generate proceeds that would be used for charitable purposes.

Ordinary Fraternal Use extends to and is limited by the geographic boundaries of the Subordinate Unit and the subordinate unit’s own membership. For example, a local council may use the Order’s Marks within its own jurisdiction (i.e., local council members and the parish(es) directly served by that local council). Similarly, the Ordinary Fraternal Use of the Marks by a State Council extends to and is limited by the geographic boundaries of that State Council and members of councils within that state.

When a Subordinate Unit uses the Marks for any activity that constitutes Ordinary Fraternal Use, the Subordinate Unit is required to add its name, number (if applicable), and geographic location. This information should be located within close proximity to the Marks to make clear that the activity is sponsored by the Subordinate Unit, and not the Supreme Council.

Reporting Improper or Unauthorized Uses of the Order’s Intellectual Property

In addition, there is a reporting form available on the Brand Assets page of the Knights of Columbus website.

Additional Information on the Order’s Name and Emblem Policy

Further information regarding the name and emblem policies of the Knights of Columbus is available on the Officers’ Desk Reference (www.kofc.org/oo) under “Name and Emblem.”

REPORT UNAUTHORIZED USE

Knights of Columbus vigorously protects its intellectual property from unauthorized use. If you become aware of an improper or unauthorized use of the Order’s Marks or other intellectual property please report it immediately to your state officers and the Name and Emblem Committee at nameandembleminquiries@kofc.org. We ask you to provide your contact information so that we may contact you for additional information. Your information will remain confidential and will not be shared with any third party.