County files trademark applications; board schedules public hearing on ordinance to prohibit unauthorized use of county branding

Rockbridge County staff told the Board of Supervisors on July 28 that they had submitted trademark applications for four elements of the county's visual identity and requested the board consider adopting a county ordinance to prohibit unauthorized use of county branding. "On July 23, I submitted the trademark application to the Virginia State Corporation Commission along with the required $330 fee," the presenter said.

The applications cover the county seal, the PSA water‑drop logo, the fire department patch, and the county "R" icon, staff said. County attorney John Dryden reviewed a draft ordinance attached to the meeting packet that would prohibit unauthorized use of county branding and provide an additional layer of legal protection beyond state trademark registration. Because the change would amend the county code, staff said a public hearing is required; if the board wishes to proceed staff will advertise for a hearing on Aug. 25.

Supervisors voted to set the item for public hearing. No ordinance was adopted at the July 28 meeting; staff will return with any updates from the State Corporation Commission and with the public hearing notice and draft ordinance for board consideration.

Ending: The board set a public hearing date; staff to provide updates on the trademark applications and the draft ordinance at a future meeting.