Cayman Currency Ads Need Approval (2017-10-17)

Summary

This is a public notice from CIMA (originally dated 2 October 2009, republished/listed 17 October 2017) reminding businesses that Cayman Islands currency images are copyrighted for the benefit of CIMA and that reproducing them in advertisements is restricted. It applies to any business or member of the public wishing to use images of Cayman currency (notes or coins) in advertising or promotional material.

• Criminal offence: Unauthorized defacement, mutilation, or perforation of currency is a criminal offence under section 31 of the Monetary Authority Law, punishable by a fine and imprisonment.
• Consent requirement: Photographic reproduction of coins for advertisements requires the written consent of the Monetary Authority.
• Guidance: Businesses are directed to consult CIMA's published guidelines ('Reproduction Guidelines') on its website before using currency images commercially.

This is an informational/reminder notice rather than new legislation, but it does point to an existing statutory restriction and a consent requirement that businesses must comply with before using currency imagery in advertising.

Key obligations

• Businesses must obtain the written consent of the Monetary Authority before photographically reproducing coins (and by extension currency notes) for advertisements or promotional use
• Businesses must follow CIMA's published 'Reproduction Guidelines' when reproducing images of Cayman currency
• Businesses/individuals must not deface, mutilate, or perforate Cayman currency notes or coins without lawful authority or excuse

Applies to

businesses advertising using Cayman currency images, members of the public