§333 Prohibition of Misuse of Department of the Treasury Names, Symbols, Etc.

Summary

You must not use the Department of the Treasury’s name, any of its office or service names, officer titles (like Secretary or Treasurer), initials, the words “United States Savings Bond” or other Treasury-issued obligation names, its symbols or designs, or close copies of any of these in ads, solicitations, business materials, products, or broadcasts in a way that would make people think the Treasury approves, sponsors, or is connected to them. Saying “we are not affiliated” does not excuse this. The Secretary of the Treasury can fine people who break this rule. Civil fines are up to $5,000 for each improper use, or $25,000 for each improper broadcast. The Secretary must assess fines within 3 years of the violation and must start a civil case to collect any fine within 2 years after the fine is assessed. If a criminal case starts first, no civil fine can later be assessed. If someone knowingly breaks the rule, they can be criminally punished with up to $10,000 per use, or up to $50,000 per broadcast, and/or up to 1 year in jail. Criminal charges must be brought within 3 years of the violation, and no criminal case can be started if a civil fine was already imposed.