1. (1) In determining whether to grant authorization for use of the seal, the secretary shall consider the information provided by the applicant and shall apply the following standards:

   1. (a) Whether the appearance of the seal on the product could mislead the public to believe that the product carries official state sanction or approval;
   2. (b) Whether the use of the seal would tend to mislead the public into believing that a person, meeting, project or event carries official state sanction or approval;
   3. (c) Whether the dignity of the seal will be compromised if approval is granted;
   4. (d) Whether the use of the seal is prohibited as otherwise stated in this chapter and in chapter 43.04 RCW.
2. (2) A written letter of approval or denial from the secretary shall be sent through first-class mail;

3. (3) Approval shall be in the form of a nontransferable letter of authority. The letter shall set forth, at a minimum, provisions which stipulate:

   1. (a) The limitation on the manufacture, manner of use, display and other employment;
   2. (b) That the seal may not be used or be construed to be operated in any way as an endorsement by the state of Washington;
   3. (c) That the state, in granting authority to use the seal, does not assume any liability in connection with the use of the seal.
4. (4) As condition to the letter of authority, applicants for commercial use of the seal shall execute a renewable, nonexclusive licensing agreement. Educational uses of the seal which are to be commercially distributed shall not be subject to a licensing agreement.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.04.040(4). WSR 89-20-031, § 434-04-060, filed 9/29/89, effective 10/30/89.]