Selling Obama merchandise might land you in jail

Washington, Jan 12 (ANI): While people might be making a fortune by selling Obama-branded can openers, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate bars, those thriving on the sales of such merchandise might land in jail from January 20 onwards.

In a bid to prevent the commercial exploitation of Obama's name, Gregory B. Craig, the would be White House counsel for President-elect Barack Obama will have to take action to prevent the selling of Obama merchandise.

Following Obama's inauguration ceremony, Craig will make sure that the official presidential seal doesn't get used on T-shirts or beer bottles.

Using the seal on commercial products is contrary to White House policy or even federal law.

For a long time, the counsel's office has been in charge to complain to businesses about the use of the presidential or White House seals on mugs and such.

In fact, there's also a federal criminal statute (18 USC 713) against improper use of the "likeness of the great seal of the United States," or those of the Senate and House.

Those who violate the law could be fined or even hit with six months in jail, reports The Washington Post. (ANI)