                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

COMMERCIAL USE OF SEALS OF THE COMMONWEALTH (§ 2.2-122)

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of &#xA7; 1-505, the Governor may authorize
the use of the seals of the Commonwealth for commercial purposes upon a finding
that such use promotes an appropriate image of the Commonwealth, its heritage
and its history, and that such use is carried out in accordance with the laws of
the Commonwealth. In considering whether the use of the seals in association
with a product promotes an appropriate image of the Commonwealth, preference
shall be given to products that (i) preserve traditional methods of production,
including handcrafting techniques, (ii) enhance public appreciation of the
Commonwealth&#8217;s aesthetic values, and (iii) incorporate workmanship and
materials of the highest quality. A prospective licensee shall be deemed
qualified to protect and promote the image of the Commonwealth if it holds
licenses to produce products associated with museums and sites of major
historical importance in the Commonwealth, including but not limited to homes of
Presidents of the United States and restored historical areas.

B. The Governor may direct the State Treasurer to cause to be minted gold,
platinum, and silver coins for commemorative use that bear the seals of the
Commonwealth on the obverse side of the coin and scenes of natural or
historically significant locations in the Commonwealth as recommended by the
Board of Directors of the Virginia Tourism Authority on the reverse side. Except
as provided in subsection C, proceeds from the sale of such coins shall be
deposited in the Cooperative Marketing Fund established pursuant to &#xA7;
2.2-2319.

C. The Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Director of the Division of
Purchases and Supply shall assist the Governor in determining the
appropriateness of (i) any contract entered into for the commercial use of the
seals of the Commonwealth, (ii) the product intended to be sold, (iii) any
marketing activities undertaken to promote the sale of the product, and (iv) the
pricing structure, including royalties to be paid to the Commonwealth for such
use and sale. Any such royalties paid to the Commonwealth shall be deposited in
the general fund.

HISTORY: 1995, c. 295, § 2.1-51.6:4; 2001, c. 844; 2005, c. 839; 2011, c. 755;
2013, c. 763.