The POW/MIA Logo

What is it? Who made it?

The POW/MIA flag and logo were designed in 1971 by Newt Heisley, a commercial/graphic artist, for the National League of POW/MIA Families. It was developed after Mary Hoff, an MIA wife and member of that League, proposed a symbol to represent POW/MIA. Annin & Company manufactured it, and the League’s Board approved the design in early 1972. According to the League’s own history, they never sought a copyright or trademark on the POW/MIA flag / logo. Because no trademark or copyright was pursued, the design is generally considered to be in the public domain – meaning it is legally usable by the public without needing specific permission or licensing.

What “Ownership” means here

Although the National League of POW/MIA Families is the organization that initiated, approved, and still promotes the symbol, they do not own exclusive legal rights over the design. Their control or influence is more moral, cultural, and procedural (i.e. guidelines on respectful usage, protocol, etc.).