Indiana § 15-17-5-16 - Prohibition against use of official device, mark, or certificate
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 15-17-5-16 — Prohibition against use of official device, mark, or certificate, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-17-5-16. Prohibition against use of official device, mark, or certificate
Sec. 16. (a) A brand manufacturer, printer, or other person may not cast, print, lithograph, or otherwise make:
(1) a device containing an official mark or a simulation of an official mark or a label bearing the mark or simulation; or
(2) any form of official certificate or simulation of an official certificate;
except as authorized by the board.
(b) A person may not do any of the following:
(1) Forge an official device, mark, or certificate.
(2) Use an official device, mark, certificate, or a simulation of an official device, mark, or certificate or alter, detach, deface, or destroy an official device, mark, or certificate without authorization from the board.
(3) Contrary to the rules adopted by the board, fail to use or detach, deface, or destroy an official device, mark, or certificate.
(4) Knowingly possess, without promptly notifying the state veterinarian or the state veterinarian's representative, any of the following:
(A) An official device.
(B) A counterfeit, simulated, forged, or improperly altered official certificate.
(C) A device or label on a carcass of an animal, including poultry, or part or product of a carcass, bearing a counterfeit, simulated, forged, or improperly altered official mark.
(5) Knowingly make a false statement in a shipper's certificate or other nonofficial or official certificate provided for in the rules adopted by the board.
(6) Knowingly represent that an article has been inspected and passed or exempted under this chapter when the article has not been inspected and passed or exempted.
[Pre-2008 Recodification Citation: 15-2.1-24-18.]
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.8.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 15-17-5-16
What does Indiana Code § 15-17-5-16 cover?
Section 15-17-5-16 ("Prohibition against use of official device, mark, or certificate") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 15-17-5-16?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 15-17-5-16" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 15-17-5-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.