Can I legally use a coat of arms?
Non-official coats of arms are not protected. A specific rendition of a coat of arms is protected through copyright law and a coat of arms can be used as a trademark and will thus be protected by trademark law. … If an insignia is registered by the Heraldic Consultant, trademark rights are automatically acquired as well.
Who is entitled to a coat of arms?
Coats of arms belong to individuals. For any person to have a right to a coat of arms they must either have had it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male line from a person to whom arms were granted or confirmed in the past.
Can I create a coat of arms for my family?
You may certainly design your own coat of arms, and there’s even websites to help you do so (see below). You can also have it registered with the American College of Heraldry, which recommends you follow these guidelines when designing your own: Make sure your design is unique.
How do you get an official coat of arms?
Petitioning for Arms. Arms and crests, badges and supporters, are granted by letters patent issued by the most senior heralds, the Kings of Arms. They act according to powers delegated to them by the Crown and all grants are therefore made under Crown authority.
What is the difference between a coat of arms and a family crest?
Although some people refer to a “family crest” and a “coat of arms” interchangeably, there is a difference. A crest is an element or part of a coat of arms, but not the entire arms. On a coat of arms, the crest is found above the shield, usually on top of a helmet.
How would you describe a coat of arms?
A coat of arms is a symbol used to identify families or individuals. It is a detailed design that often includes a shield, crest, helmet, motto, and more. The image could be used as a whole, or the crest can be used as a simplified symbol.
What does the coat of arms symbolize?
A coat of arms is a symbol that represents a specific family or person. Originally appearing on shields or flags, coats of arms were once used as a way of distinguishing one knight from another on a battlefield. … The study, classification, and design of coats of arms is known as heraldry.
How are coat of arms passed down?
People sometimes refer to a family crest by other names, such as a shield of arms or coat of arms. … Think of a crest like a trademark or custom stamp. Crests were passed down by men to their firstborn male offspring, similar to how a man named William Jones might name his son William Jones Jr.
What does a crescent moon mean on a coat of arms?
The crescent stands for one who has been “enlightened and honored by the gracious aspect of his sovereign.” It is also borne as a symbol of the hope of greater glory. Knights returning from the crusades introduced the crescent, the badge of Islam, into the language of heraldry.