NO COPYRIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 22445, 16 September 1936, Page 5

NO COPYRIGHT

OTAGO UNIVERSITY ARMS NOT REGISTERED IN BRITAIN The desire of the University of Otago Council that the coat of arms should be protected from use by trading firms as a decoration on various articles is not likely to be fulfilled, the opinion being given by the Chancellor at yesterday afternoon’s meeting that copyright could not be obtained. The Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, wrote that the University arms were not registered there or, apparently, in London. “ The arms are founded on those of Scotland—azure, a saltire argent, tho saltire cantoned with four stars, also argent, and an escutcheon of pretence Gules (red) in the centre, with a fifth star, also argent,” he wrote. “ The stars probably represent the Southern Cross. If the University were founded by Scotsmen, it might be possible to register them with him. The fee would be £47 10s.” “ The 1 Lyon ’ seems to be rampant!” ■ wittily remarked Mr L. Deans Ritchie, amid laughter. The Chancellor said the Lord Lyon’s letter had at least given the University a correct description of its arms—a subject on which there had been difficulty and confusion previously. Mr James Wallace asked if registration would protect the use of the arms. Mr Morrell: I don’t think it would have the smallest effect. Registration does not confer copyright. “ Well, we’ll save £47 10s,” replied the treasurer. Mr Ritchie considered that the coat of arms should not be free to be used by anybody wishing to decorate playing cards, crockery, or footballs. Mr Morrell said it was customary in England . for the arms of universities and public schools to he used on articles. Sir Lindo Ferguson: May this trade in arms be discouraged! (Laughter.) The Chancellor facetiously asked if the medical dean wished to refer the question to the League of Nations. No action was taken.