Digital Rights, Copyright, Trademark, Patent Laws
Our Web site complies with existing laws and directives that address the digital, copyright, trademark and patent rights of the public.
Please note:
Not all the information on our site is in the public domain. Some images/graphics are licensed for use under the copyright law, and the use of the Service logo is restricted to official publications (see below).
We will identify material we use from sources outside the Service, and request others do the same when using information published by the Service. Credit can be provided by including on the page (or via a link to a credits page) a citation such as:
Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Photo by Robert Shallenberger/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or USFWS photo (if the photographer is known)
USFWS/Elkins, WV (if originating office but not the photographer is known)
Restrictions on Using the Service Logo
The Service logo is reserved for official publications or other products of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Use of the Service logo without prior written approval is prohibited. Restrictions on use of the Service logo were published in the Federal Register on February 13, 1984 (Vol. 49, No. 30, page 5387), and 18 USC 701 provides for enforcement.
Please use alternative images if you need a graphic.
There are procedures for obtaining approval for the use of the official Service logo on a joint publication with the Service, including electronic publications such as Web sites. Contact Nancy Monroe in the External Affairs office for assistance.
The restrictions described above apply also to the use of the images of the Federal Duck Stamps and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration and Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration symbols, and the "blue goose" image used to identify wildlife refuges.