Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

plagiarism

A new Pledge of Allegiance has recently been introduced in the church that I attend and I think it borders on plagiarism.

The Christian Pledge of Allegiance:

I pledge allegiance to the Christian

Flag and to the Saviour for whose Kingdom it stands. One Saviour,

crucified, risen, and coming again

with life and liberty to believe.

The American Pledge of Allegiance:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Repubic for which it stands.

One nation, under God, indivisable,

with liberty and justice for all.

The similarity is unmstakeable, but

is it plagiarism? Have we, Christians, inadvertently stolen a

concept from the American Pledge of Allegiance?

Thank you.


Asked on 7/09/07, 9:58 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gordon Firemark Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark

Re: plagiarism

So what if it is a copy. The Pledge of Allegiance is probably not protected by copyright.

I'm not sure Mr. Nance is correct about the length of time since the Pledge was written. I do know that it was made "official" during the Eisenhower administration.

Some research is probably required if you're really concerned about this.

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Answered on 7/10/07, 4:43 pm
Johm Smith tom's

Re: plagiarism

Don't worry about a violation of rights here. The pledge has been around for over 100 years and no one has proven their authorship.

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Answered on 7/09/07, 11:15 pm


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