Licensing & Trademarking

Vulcan Park Foundation holds federal trademark registration for Vulcan statue’s image and likeness, in addition to the VULCAN word mark. The Foundation takes great pride in Vulcan Park & Museum and the reconstructed Vulcan statue, which are dedicated to preserving this iconic symbol of Birmingham.

Photography and filming at Vulcan Park & Museum for media purposes are permitted with advance notice. Drone use is subject to the policies outlined below.

 

Uses That Require a License

A license is required for any use of the likeness of Vulcan statue or the VULCAN word mark, including but not limited to:

  • Names of companies, businesses, organizations, groups, programs, initiatives, or products
  • Branding, seals, and logos
  • Any promotional, marketing, or commercial use associated with a business or organization
  • Commercials and advertisements (print, digital, or broadcast)
  • Photography, video, or film footage
  • Websites, landing pages, and digital platforms
  • Presentations, pitch decks, or marketing materials
  • Brochures, flyers, posters, and other printed materials
  • Merchandise or products for sale or distribution
  • Designs, illustrations, sketches, drawings, murals, installations, statues, or other artistic representations

 

Prohibition on Unauthorized Online Presence & Social Media

Vulcan Park Foundation strictly prohibits the creation or operation of any online account, channel, profile, page, forum, website, or digital presence — on any platform — that uses the name VULCAN, the likeness of Vulcan statue, or any confusingly similar variation thereof, without prior written authorization from the Foundation. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the use is commercial, satirical, comedic, editorial, or otherwise.

Prohibited unauthorized uses include, but are not limited to:

  • Social media accounts and channels — including accounts, profiles, reels, or pages on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), Threads, and LinkedIn
  • Forums and online communities — including subreddits, Discord servers, message boards, or any other forum using the VULCAN name or likeness of Vulcan statue
  • Websites, blogs, and digital channels — including websites, landing pages, blog channels, newsletters, or podcast platforms using the VULCAN name or likeness of Vulcan statue as a primary identifier
  • Digital personas and characters — including any fictional character, avatar, or comedic/satirical persona that portrays or impersonates Vulcan statue in any medium, including commentary, skits, or entertainment content

Note on satire and parody: The unauthorized use of Vulcan statue as a character for comedic, satirical, or current-events commentary is not exempt from this policy. Satirical or parody intent does not constitute authorization. All such uses require prior written approval from Vulcan Park Foundation.

The Foundation actively monitors online platforms for unauthorized use of its trademarks and will pursue all available legal remedies, including takedown notices, account removal requests, and legal action, as appropriate.

If you believe you have encountered an unauthorized account or online presence using the VULCAN name or likeness of Vulcan statue, please contact us at [email protected]. To request authorization for a permitted use, please complete the licensing form below.

If you wish to use the likeness of Vulcan statue or the VULCAN word mark, you must complete the form below for authorization and to obtain a license in connection with your business or organization.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding licensing, trademark, and photography/filming guidelines for Vulcan statue and the VULCAN word mark.

Is the image of Vulcan statue and the VULCAN word mark registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office?

Yes! Vulcan Park Foundation holds federal trademark registration for Vulcan statue’s image and likeness, in addition to the VULCAN word mark.

Who is the owner of all intellectual property pertaining to the Vulcan statue likeness and the VULCAN word mark?

Vulcan Park Foundation is the owner of all intellectual property pertaining to Vulcan statue’s image and likeness, in addition to the VULCAN word mark.

Can I still use the likeness of Vulcan statue or the VULCAN word mark?

If you wish to use the likeness of the Vulcan statue or the VULCAN word mark, you must fill out the request form below for authorization and to obtain a license in connection with your business or organization.

What uses of Vulcan statue’s likeness and the VULCAN word mark require a license?

A license is required for any use of the likeness of Vulcan statue or the VULCAN word mark, including but not limited to:

  • Names of companies, businesses, organizations, groups, programs, initiatives, or products
  • Branding, seals, and logos
  • Any promotional, marketing, or commercial use associated with a business or organization
  • Commercials and advertisements (print, digital, or broadcast)
  • Photography, video, or film footage
  • Websites, landing pages, and digital platforms
  • Presentations, pitch decks, or marketing materials
  • Brochures, flyers, posters, and other printed materials
  • Merchandise or products for sale or distribution
  • Designs, illustrations, sketches, drawings, murals, installations, statues, or other artistic representations

All photographs on this website are copyrighted and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any form without prior written permission from Vulcan Park Foundation.

What are the photography, filming, and drone guidelines?

DRONES
Vulcan Park & Museum is home to the federally protected Vulcan statue, a significant historical monument. For the safety and protection of the site, flying/operating drones on or over Vulcan Park and Museum property is strictly prohibited without prior authorization and may be subject to an administrative fee. Please note that there will be a fee for authorized drone use during private events and weddings. Unauthorized drone operations will result in removal from the premises and may lead to potential legal action.

PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING
Vulcan Park & Museum welcomes photography and filming on its grounds. However, any commercial or promotional photography, videography, drone use, or film production requires prior approval and may be subject to additional fees, permits or licenses, and location or trademark agreements.

To request permission for commercial use or to schedule a shoot, please contact our Director of Marketing & Public Relations at [email protected]. All inquiries should be made in advance to ensure proper coordination and compliance with site policies.

 

Licensing/Trademark Request