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Other Cities' logo use policies In performing an internet search, staff was able to determine that the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul of course have lengthy, formal policies related to use of their logo. The search also resulted in two "smaller" cities, Anoka and Moorhead, that have written policies that establish acceptable and non -acceptable uses of the City's logo and provide direction on how to request permission to use the City logo. For example, the City of Moorhead's policy states they "may grant explicit permission to use the City logo in a manner other than identified in this Usage Guide. All special circumstances must be requested in advance and approval is not guaranteed. Requests may be directed to ..." The City of Moorhead's policy also includes branding guidelines for the logo's appearance when used, including colors, backgrounds, and acceptable digital formats. The City of Anoka's policy states "Any group, business, or organization requesting the use of the City logo must submit a Request for Non -City Use of Logo form to the City of Anoka for review and approval." The request form is submitted to the City's Communications Manager for review and upon request, the applicant must also provide an example of the promotional item on which the logo shall be used. Anoka's logo use policy sets forth specific guidelines for logo use in general as well as by for -profit and non-profit organizations. Attached as an example for Council review is the City of Anoka's policy (Attachment A). Trademarking a City Logo It can be noted that while the City of Arden Hills doesn't "own" our logo and it is not currently trademarked, the City Attorney states that there are State Statutes applicable to deceptive trade practices outlined in Minn. Stat. 325D.43-45 that apply even if the City doesn't have its logo trademarked. This statute outlines several actions that qualify as deceptive trade practices which include (but aren't limited to) passing off goods of another and representing that goods or services have sponsorship or approval that the user does not have. The City can enforce these rights. There is the option of trademarking the City's logo with the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). Having a federally trademarked logo gives the City protection against unauthorized use — mostly online. Private social media platforms like Facebook/X/Instagram honor federal registration of trademarks and with proof that the City has its logo trademarked, the platform will remove imitation/fraudulent accounts. A federal trademark is good for 10 years and may be renewed every 10 years. The City Attorney estimates the cost for this process is $3,000-$4,000 and would take approximately 6-9 months. The length of time it takes is simply how long it takes things to work through the USPTO office. While the State of Minnesota also has a trademark registration process at a much lower cost ($150- $200), the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) goes as far as to say the State trademark registration is "meaningless" and so while the process is quick and the fee is low, it doesn't do much for a City. That all said and in a nutshell, even if the City's logo isn't trademarked, outside entities are not free to use the City's logo however they want. Page 2 of 3