IP Guide — Army Uniforms, Camouflage & Insignia on Roblox

Purpose & Disclaimer

This document explains, in clear, actionable terms, exactly what Castle & Shell (C&S) and other Roblox creators may and may not do with U.S. Army–style designs. It also identifies who owns original Army works, which authorities enforce those rights, and step‑by‑step procedures if you ever receive a takedown notice.

Disclaimer: This document is provided for informational purposes only. Castle & Shell is not responsible for any legal consequences or liabilities that may arise from your use or interpretation of this guide. By using this information, you acknowledge that any action taken is done at your own discretion and risk.

Operating on a Priority Basis

Castle & Shell's operational model is supported by established legal precedent that affirms a “priority basis” for using public domain content and enforcing our own original work.

Legal Basis

• Freedom to Use Public Domain Works
  In other words: Anything made by the U.S. government — like Army patches — can be used by anyone, including you.
  Under 17 U.S.C. §105, works created by the U.S. government (including insignia and uniform designs) are public domain. This means creators are legally allowed to make use of and interpret these works without restriction—unless another specific law applies.
• Original Work Is Protected Even If Based on Public Domain
  In other words: If you draw your own version of a public domain design, your drawing is yours — and people can’t copy it without permission.
  According to the U.S. Copyright Office’s Circular 31: “If a work is based on a public domain work, only the new, original elements of the derivative work are protected.” This supports Castle & Shell's right to copyright and defend its own digital recreations.
• Trademark Enforcement Is Reactive
  In other words: Just because something is trademarked doesn't mean you’re in trouble automatically — the owner has to tell you to stop before it becomes a legal issue.
  U.S. trademark law (under the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §1051 et seq.) requires active enforcement by the mark holder. There is no automatic infringement unless use causes confusion or implies false endorsement. This principle was confirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in KP Permanent Make-Up, Inc. v. Lasting Impression I, Inc.

In practice: This means Castle & Shell—and other creators—can operate freely using interpretive recreations unless and until formally challenged by a trademark owner. In other words: You can go ahead and make your uniforms and camo unless someone with trademark power sends a takedown.

Castle & Shell, like many groups across Roblox, operates under a principle of interpretive priority: we build original, transformative recreations of Army‑style visuals based on public domain elements — and we do so unless or until a recognized trademark holder (e.g., the U.S. Army or Crye Precision) demands we stop. This approach is already common practice within the Roblox community, where many creators produce army equipment, camouflages, and insignias inspired by military aesthetics. However, the legal underpinnings of these recreations are rarely discussed, often leading to confusion about who can create what and under which circumstances. At Castle & Shell, we naturally employ this method with a heightened awareness of its legal and ethical dimensions - so that our practices not only protect our creative rights but also foster a more responsible market. We encourage the use of this practice to all creators to be assured and remain free from legal stresses, now that your rights are more clearly informed.

This is legally supported by:

• Public domain status of U.S. government works (17 U.S.C.§105) — you are free to recreate Army designs.
• Copyright protection of our original digital artwork (17 U.S.C.§102) — others may not copy our files.
• Trademark enforcement is reactive — trademark holders must assert their rights; creators may continue unless a formal takedown is issued.

1. Ownership & Enforcement Authorities

2. Castle & Shell: Rights & Restrictions

✓ What C&S Can Do

• Create, copyright, and monetize original interpretive recreations of Army‑style uniforms, camo, and insignia.
• File DMCA takedowns against direct copies of C&S’s files.

✖ What C&S Cannot Do

• Use any official Army trademark (insignia, OCP/UCP patterns) for sale, branding, or implying Army endorsement without a license.
• Prevent others from independently creating their own versions of Army designs (public domain).
• Refuse to remove C&S assets if demanded by ATLP, TIOH, or other enforcement authorities.

3. Other Creators: Rights & Restrictions

✓ What Others Can Do

• Use C&S’s published assets only if they obtain explicit permission from C&S.
• Independently recreate Army‑style designs (public domain) — must differ from C&S artwork.

✖ What Others Cannot Do

• Copy and redistribute C&S assets exactly without permission (C&S may issue DMCA takedown).
• Use official Army trademarks for commercial or branding purposes without a license.

4. Handling Takedown Notices

5. Best Practices

• Always include “Not endorsed by U.S. Army” disclaimers on non‑commercial displays.
• Document creation dates and file metadata for all C&S assets.
• Encourage community to produce unique reinterpretations rather than copies.
• Maintain a clear contact email (pointcastle@castleshell.com) for IP inquiries.

6. References

1. 17 U.S.C.§105 — Public domain status
2. 32 C.F.R.§507.10 — Army trademark licensing
3. Army Trademark Licensing Program — Exclusive property
4. MultiCam trademark — Lineweight LLC
5. Roblox DMCA Guidelines — Filing takedowns
6. DoD Branding & Trademarks — Enforcement