2021 US Code
Title 51 - National and Commercial Space Programs
Subtitle II - General Program and Policy Provisions
Chapter 201 - National Aeronautics and Space Program
Subchapter III - General Administrative Provisions
Sec. 20141 - Misuse of agency name and initials

Download PDF
Citation 51 U.S.C. § 20141 (2021)
Section Name §20141. Misuse of agency name and initials
Section Text

(a) In General.—No person (as defined by section 20135(a) of this title) may knowingly use the words "National Aeronautics and Space Administration" or the letters "NASA", or any combination, variation, or colorable imitation of those words or letters either alone or in combination with other words or letters—

(1) as a firm or business name in a manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that the firm or business has some connection with, endorsement of, or authorization from, the Administration which does not, in fact, exist; or

(2) in connection with any product or service being offered or made available to the public in a manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that the product or service has the authorization, support, sponsorship, or endorsement of, or the development, use, or manufacture by or on behalf of the Administration which does not, in fact, exist.


(b) Civil Proceeding To Enjoin.—Whenever it appears to the Attorney General that any person is engaged in an act or practice which constitutes or will constitute conduct prohibited by subsection (a), the Attorney General may initiate a civil proceeding in a district court of the United States to enjoin such act or practice.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 111–314, §3, Dec. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 3348.)

Editorial Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
20141 42 U.S.C. 2459b. Pub. L. 85–568, title III, §311, formerly §310, as added Pub. L. 98–52, title I, §107, July 15, 1983, 97 Stat. 284; renumbered §311, Pub. L. 106–391, title III, §324(a)(1), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1599.
Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Supplement 3, Title 51 - NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 51 - NATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PROGRAMS
Subtitle II - General Program and Policy Provisions
CHAPTER 201 - NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE PROGRAM
SUBCHAPTER III - GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Sec. 20141 - Misuse of agency name and initials
Contains section 20141
Date 2021
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 3, 2022
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 97 Stat. 284
114 Stat. 1599
124 Stat. 3348
Public Law References Public Law 85-568, Public Law 98-52, Public Law 106-391, Public Law 111-314
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. United States may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.