Morale patch
{{Short description|Military insignia designed to inspire humor}}
{{tone|date=May 2018}}{{multiple image
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| image1 = 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron - Patch.png
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| caption1 = Squadron morale patch used at Souda Bay
| image2 = 9th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron - Patch.png
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| caption2 = 9 EARS morale patch
| image3 = 56tiog-ghost-patch.jpg
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| caption3 = 56th TIOG morale patch
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A morale patch is a military ornamental insignia with humorous images and expressions.{{cite web|last1=Blake|first1=Stilwell|title=13 of the best military morale patches|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/13-of-the-best-military-morale-patches-2015-8|access-date=22 August 2015|website=business insider}}{{cite web|last1=Daniel S.|first1=Hoadley|title=What Just Happened? A Historical Evaluation of Project|url=http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA617002|access-date=1 June 2013|publisher=Checo. Air Univ Maxwell AFB AL School of Advanced Air and Space Studies}}{{dead link|date=June 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web|title=Cool Patch Alert: Epik Panda Limited Edition Spartan117GW PVC Combat/Tactical Morale Patch!|url=https://defensereview.com/cool-patch-alert-epik-panda-limited-edition-spartan117gw-pvc-combattactical-morale-patch/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=DefenseReview.com (DR): An online tactical technology and military defense technology magazine with particular focus on the latest and greatest tactical firearms news (tactical gun news), tactical gear news and tactical shooting news.|language=en-US}} They can be used as identification with a particular unit, such as a division or brigade, and are designed to build an esprit de corps with military personnel. The morale patch is usually not authorized directly by the military to be worn on an official uniform but can often be found on military clothing or gear.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}
History
Morale patches are a part of military history and have cultural significance for soldiers{{Cite web|last1=Kauffman |first1=Jonathan |title= Morale patches: Boy Scouts for adults |url= https://www.sfchronicle.com/style/article/Morale-patches-Boy-Scouts-for-adults-12746550.php|access-date=2023-12-03|website=www.sfchronicle.com}} and law enforcement personnel.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} The morale patch's roots can be traced to the British Army, before World War I, who called them "battle patches". Mainly used to identify allies and enemy units, the distinctive designs would identify personnel as belonging to certain military units.
In the 1920s, the patches became unique and individualized and experienced widespread popularity. They became collectible and tradable items. This brought civilians closer to military personnel and made law enforcement agents more approachable.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}
The 81st Division Wildcats of the U.S. Army created the first American morale patch during World War I. It was suggested to Army officials that a patch should be created to acknowledge a division. The insignia was approved to help the morale of the troops, and soon after that, General Pershing suggested all divisions to create and wear a patch—something unique to their division.{{Cite web|last1=Milzarski |first1=Eric |title= This is why soldiers wear unit patches | url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/this-is-why-soldiers-wear-unit-patches/ |access-date=2023-12-04|website=www.wearethemighty.com}}
Trademark lawsuits
On August 31, 2020, a lawsuit was filed against 281 defendants for the use of the words "morale patch" as case number 20cv04776 in the Northern District of Illinois court.{{Cite web|title=U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois|url=https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=www.ilnd.uscourts.gov}} In 2016, Morale Patch Armory LLC{{Cite web|title=Morale Patches, Tactical Patches and more from Morale Patch Armory|url=https://www.moralepatcharmory.com/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Morale Patch® Armory|language=en}} trademarked the term "MORALE PATCH" for commercial use and filed a claim of trademark infringement.{{Cite web|title=TESS -- Error|url=https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4801:ynqk3e.2.2|access-date=2021-03-30|website=tmsearch.uspto.gov}} The lawsuit focused mainly on veteran-owned companies, tactical gear manufacturers, and small, internet-based operations. Morale Patch Armory LLC is owned by Julio Medina, who is an Air Force veteran.{{Cite web|date=2016-07-19|title=Interview with Julio Medina - Owner of "Morale Patch Armory", USA|url=https://mgergov.com/fitnessinstructor/interview-with-veteran-julio-medina-owner-of-morale-patch-armory/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Professional blogger Mr. 3Hours|language=en-US}}
On September 10, 2020, Prometheus Design Werx filed a petition to cancel the trademark "MORALE PATCH".{{Cite web|title=USPTO TTABVUE. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Inquiry System|url=https://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92075121&pty=CAN|access-date=2021-03-30|website=ttabvue.uspto.gov}}
On September 16, 2020, The Military Times published an article explaining the details of the lawsuit.{{Cite web|last=Venhuizen|first=Harm|date=2020-09-16|title=281 companies are being sued for using the term 'morale patch'|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/09/16/281-companies-are-being-sued-for-using-the-term-morale-patch/|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Military Times|language=en-US}}
On August 18, 2022, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board canceled the trademark.
See also
References
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