Chapter 115 – George Cross (Restriction of Use) Ordinance
What is this act about?
This law regulates the use of the George Cross emblem and the words "George Cross," making it unlawful to use them without proper authority. It aims to restrict their use, particularly for trade or business purposes.
Who it applies to: Any person using the George Cross emblem or words for trade, business, or any other purpose; Companies or societies, and their directors, managers, secretaries, and other officers, if an offense is committed.
At a glance
- Country
- Malta
- Area of law
- Other legislation
- Articles
- 5
- Source
- legislation.mt
- Text retrieved
- Explanation updated
What does this act regulate?
- The use of the George Cross emblem or any similar imitation.
- The use of the words "George Cross," whether alone or with other words.
- The registration of trademarks containing the George Cross emblem or words.
- Penalties for unauthorized use of the emblem or words.
Who does this act apply to?
- Any person using the George Cross emblem or words for trade, business, or any other purpose.
- Companies or societies, and their directors, managers, secretaries, and other officers, if an offense is committed.
What are the key points?
- It is unlawful to use the George Cross emblem or words without the Prime Minister's authority.
- Unauthorized use can result in a fine of not less than €116.47 nor more than €465.87, and forfeiture of goods.
- The Prime Minister can vary or revoke any given authority at any time.
- The Comptroller shall not register any trademark containing the emblem or words without the Prime Minister's special authority.
Other legislation
Legal text
Legal text
GEORGE CROSS (RESTRICTION OF USE)
CHAPTER 115
GEORGE CROSS (RESTRICTION OF USE) ORDINANCE To regulate the use of the emblem of the George Cross. (25th August, 1943)* ORDINANCE XVI of 1943 as amended by Legal Notices: 4 of 1963, 46 of 1965; Acts: LVIII of 1974, XI of 1977, XIII of 1983 and VIII of 1990; and Legal Notice 409 of 2007.
Art. 1
The short title of this Ordinance is the George Cross (Restriction of Use) Ordinance.
Short title.
Art. 2
Prohibition of use of emblem of George Cross, etc.
Amended by:
L.N. 4 of 1963;
L.N. 46 of 1965;
LVIII. 1974. 68;
XIII. 1983.5;
VIII. 1990.3;
L.N. 409 of 2007.
Provided that where such emblem or words is or are already being used on the date of assent and an application in writing is made to the President of Malta, within one month of the date of commencement of this Ordinance, for permission to continue to use the same, it shall be deemed that the person concerned has a provisional authority to use such emblem or words, as the case may be, until the President of Malta’s decision on the application is made known to that person.
Art. 3
Where a company or society is guilty of a contravention against section 2, every director, manager, secretary and other officer of the company or society who is knowingly a party to the contravention shall be guilty of an offence against this Ordinance and liable to the like penalty. *See Government Notice No 410 of 3lst August 1943.
Where offence is committed by company or society.
GEORGE CROSS (RESTRICTION OF USE) Consent of Attorney General for prosecutions under this Ordinance.
Amended by:
L.N. 46 of 1965;
LVIII. 1974.68.
Art. 4
Proceedings under this Ordinance shall not be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General.
Prohibition of registration of trade-marks containing emblem.
Amended by:
L.N. 4 of 1963;
XI. 1977.2.
Art. 5
For the purposes of section 93 of the Industrial Property (Protection) Ordinance, the Comptroller shall not register any trade-mark containing the said emblem or words without the special authority of the Prime Minister whose decision shall be final.