Is the Red Cross only for the Red Cross?

Question

Can the red cross symbol only be used by the American Red Cross? Or could any company use it on their health-related product?

Answer 1

The Red Cross symbol is in fact trademarked. If you use it to try to promote a product, you could be putting yourself at risk. The Red Cross symbol is defined as being a red cross on a white background whose stems are of equal length and length equal to their width. (In other words, the cross is five squares put together.) A "safer" way of using the idea on products and such is to use different colors. For example, when I was a lifeguard our uniform had a white cross on our red swim suits.

P.S. In response to other answers: The Swedish flag is different colors. However, the Swiss flag is a white cross on a field of red. This was actually the basis of the Red Cross symbol, being that Switzerland is known for its neutrality.
As to medics in combat, the Geneva Convention establishes the protection for medics using the red cross emblem. In other writings, the red crescent (used by some countries where marching under a banner of a cross would be objectionable) has also been recognized. Israeli medics use a red Star of David, but to the best of my knowledge it has yet to be recognized for battlefield medics.

Answer 2

It was the International Red Cross, not the American Red Cross who inspected one Nazi Camp. The holocaust is not a myth, the International Red Cross turned a blind eye to the atrocities.

Answer 3

i think only the red cross

Answer 4

I've seen it on alot of other medical offices and medical equipment. I think it's the sign for health so anyone should be able to use it.

Answer 5

the red cross symbol i believe is the international symbol for medical people. it is supposed to protect soldiers from being shot at since they are medical professionals, does it always work i dunno