USDA 4-H Club Name and Emblem — Federal Rules Governing Use of the 4-H Brand

Legal Authority

• 18 U.S.C. § 707 — Federal criminal statute imposing penalties for unauthorized commercial use of the 4-H Club name, emblem, or motto
• 5 U.S.C. § 301 — Departmental regulations authority; authorizes USDA to issue rules governing departmental activities including cooperative extension programs
• 7 CFR Part 8 — USDA implementing regulations specifying authorized uses of the 4-H name and four-leaf clover emblem; defines permissible program use versus commercial licensing requirements

Key Mechanics

7 CFR Part 8 governs use of the federally protected 4-H Club name, four-leaf clover emblem, and motto ("To Make the Best Better"), all protected under 18 U.S.C. § 707 against unauthorized commercial use. The 4-H brand is administered through the Cooperative Extension System (a federal-state-county partnership with land-grant universities); authorized use is for official 4-H youth development programs. Commercial entities must obtain a license from the National 4-H Council — USDA's authorized commercial licensing agent — to use the 4-H name or emblem in commercial contexts; unlicensed commercial use is a federal crime. Part 8 distinguishes permissible non-commercial use by 4-H members and clubs (displaying the emblem, using the name in program activities) from commercial uses requiring licensing. The 4-H emblem has been federally protected since 1939 and the criminal penalty statute dates to 1948, making it one of the most durable federal trademark-protection regimes in U.S. law.

Current Rule (2026)

What This Rule Does

The 4-H clover — a green four-leaf clover with the letter "H" in white or gold on each leaflet — is one of the most recognized youth development symbols in America. Congress federally protected the 4-H name and emblem through 18 U.S.C. § 707, making unauthorized use a federal crime. USDA holds the 4-H brand in trust for the public through the Cooperative Extension Service, a national network connecting USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), state land-grant universities, and county Extension offices.

Seven CFR Part 8 establishes who can use the 4-H name and emblem, under what conditions, and who grants permission. The rule balances two interests: protecting the integrity and educational mission of the 4-H program from commercial exploitation, and allowing legitimate partnerships with businesses and organizations that can support 4-H's work with young people.

What the 4-H Brand Covers

The 4-H Club Name and Emblem includes:

• The green four-leaf clover with stem, with the letter "H" in white or gold on each leaflet (or any close imitation)
• The words "4-H Club," "4-H Clubs," or any similar imitation

Key Provisions

• § 8.1 — Policy: NIFA (and the broader Cooperative Extension Service) welcomes collaboration with groups whose interests, products, or services can support 4-H's educational work with youth
• § 8.2 — Delegation: the Director of NIFA may authorize use of the 4-H name and emblem, but only in accordance with the rules in Part 8; authorization authority may be delegated to state and county Extension offices for local activities
• § 8.3 — Definitions: the "Cooperative Extension Service" means the entire Extension system — NIFA at the federal level, the State Cooperative Extension Services at land-grant universities, and the County Cooperative Extension Services; "4-H Club Name and Emblem" is defined broadly to capture close imitations, not just exact copies
• § 8.4 — Trust principle: the 4-H name and emblem are held in trust by the Secretary of Agriculture; they may only be used for the educational and character-building purposes of 4-H; USDA employees are specifically prohibited from personally profiting from 4-H name or emblem use
• § 8.5 — Existing authorizations: prior authorizations to use the 4-H name and emblem issued before September 16, 1985 were revoked on that date; holders of those authorizations could apply for renewal; this provision eliminates legacy arrangements that predate the current regulatory framework
• § 8.6 — Authorization criteria: the NIFA Director may grant permission for educational or informational uses that benefit 4-H and can be monitored by Extension; youth services that the Extension network endorses may also be authorized; commercial product uses require specific approval with conditions
• § 8.7 — Who may use without authorization: only the Cooperative Extension Services (state and county), land-grant colleges, local 4-H clubs, and other 4-H organizations officially recognized by USDA and the Extension Service may use the 4-H name or emblem without requesting individual authorization
• § 8.8 — Commercial separation requirement: in any advertisement, display, or publication, the 4-H name/emblem must be kept clearly separate from commercial product messages; the materials must not include endorsements or testimonials for specific businesses or products; the 4-H mark cannot be used to imply USDA or Extension endorsement of a commercial product
• § 8.9 — Fundraising authorization: use of the 4-H name or emblem in any fundraiser requires advance approval; the approving authority depends on geography — county-level fundraisers require county Extension approval; multi-county or statewide fundraisers require state Cooperative Extension Service approval; national fundraisers require NIFA Director approval

How It Affects You

If you are a business that wants to use the 4-H brand — for a co-branded product, a sponsored event, a promotional campaign, or any commercial activity — you must obtain prior written authorization from NIFA or the appropriate state/county Extension office. Unauthorized commercial use of the 4-H name or emblem is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 707, carrying fines and potential imprisonment.

The "no endorsement" rule is strictly enforced. Even if you sponsor a 4-H event or make a donation to the program, the 4-H name and emblem cannot appear on your product packaging or advertising in a way that implies USDA or Extension endorsement of your product. Keep sponsorship acknowledgments separate from product promotion.

Local 4-H clubs and county Extension offices can use the name and emblem without additional authorization for their regular educational programs, events, and publications. They do not need to request individual permission for each use — they are authorized users under § 8.7.

Fundraisers require advance approval at the appropriate level. A local 4-H club selling merchandise in one county needs county Extension approval. A state 4-H foundation running a statewide campaign needs state Extension approval. A national organization running a 4-H-branded fundraiser needs NIFA Director approval. Start the approval process well before your fundraiser launch date.

The criminal penalty backstop is real. 18 U.S.C. § 707 makes it a federal misdemeanor to use the 4-H name, emblem, or any simulation without authorization. Enforcement is handled by USDA's Office of Inspector General in coordination with DOJ.

Statutory Authority

This rule implements:

• 18 U.S.C. § 707 — Federal criminal statute protecting the 4-H name and emblem from unauthorized use; establishes USDA's authority to control use of the mark and makes unauthorized use a federal crime
• 5 U.S.C. § 301 — General departmental rulemaking authority; authorizes USDA to issue regulations for the conduct of its programs and the use of property under its jurisdiction

Recent Rulemakings

• 76 FR 4803 (January 2011) — Updated Part 8 to reflect NIFA's replacement of the former Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) as the federal agency managing the national Extension and 4-H programs
• 60 FR 52293 (1995) — Prior amendment updating definitions and authorization procedures

Pending Action