(a) Except as described in subdivisions (b) and (c), it is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association that is a nongovernmental entity to use a seal, emblem, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term, symbol, or content that reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying any federal, state, or local government, military veteran entity, or military or veteran service organization connection, approval, or endorsement of any product or service, including, but not limited to, any financial product, goods, or services, by any means, including, but not limited to, a mailing, electronic message, Internet Web site, periodical, or television commercial disseminated in this state, unless the nongovernmental entity has an expressed connection with, or the approval or endorsement of, a federal, state, or local government, military veteran entity, or military or veteran service organization. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) and if permitted by other provisions of law, any person, firm, corporation, or association that is a nongovernmental entity may advertise or promote any event, presentation, seminar, workshop, or other public gathering using a seal, emblem, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term, symbol, or content as described in subdivision (a), if the person, firm, corporation, or association that is a nongovernmental entity has an expressed connection with, or the approval or endorsement of, a federal, state, or local government, military veteran entity, or military or veteran service organization. (c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any person, firm, corporation, or association that is a nongovernmental entity may solicit information, solicit the purchase of or payment for a product or service, or solicit the contribution of funds or membership fees, by any means, including, but not limited to, a mailing, electronic message, Internet Web site, periodical, or television commercial disseminated in this state, using a seal, emblem, insignia, trade or brand name, or any other term, symbol, or content as described in subdivision (a), if the person, firm, corporation, or association that is a nongovernmental entity meets the requirements of paragraph (1) or (2) as follows: (1) The nongovernmental entity has an expressed connection with, or the approval or endorsement of, a federal, state, or local government entity, if permitted by other provisions of law. (2) (A) The solicitation meets all of the following requirements: (i) The solicitation conspicuously displays the following disclosure on the front and back of every page of the solicitation: âTHIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, AND THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE BY AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT.â (ii) In the case of a mailed solicitation, the front of the envelope, outside cover, or wrapper in which the matter is mailed conspicuously displays the following disclosure: âTHIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT.â (iii) If permitted by other provisions of law, in the case of a television commercial disseminated in this state, the solicitation conspicuously displays the following disclosure at the top of the television screen for the entire duration of the television commercial: âTHIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, AND THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE BY AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT.â (iv) The disclosure in clause (i) shall be displayed conspicuously, as provided in subdivision (f), and immediately below each portion of the solicitation that reasonably could be construed to specify an amount due and payable by the recipient. The disclosure in clause (ii) shall be displayed conspicuously, as provided in subdivision (f), and immediately below the area of the envelope, outside cover, or wrapper that is used for a return address. The disclosure in clause (iii) shall be displayed conspicuously, as provided in subdivision (f), and at the top of the telev
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