Us Code § 179q - Seal of National Film Registry

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 179q — Seal of National Film Registry, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 179q. Seal of National Film Registry

(a) Use of seal

(1) Prohibition on distribution and exhibition

No person shall knowingly distribute or exhibit to the public a version of a film or any copy in any format of a film which bears the seal described in section 179m(a)(3) of this title if such film—

(A) is not included in the National Film Registry; or

(B) is included in the National Film Registry, but such film or film copy has not been approved for use of the seal by the Librarian pursuant to section 179m(a)(1)(D) of this title.

(2) Prohibition on promotion

No person shall knowingly use the seal described in section 179m(a)(3) of this title to promote any version of a film in any format other than a Registry version.

(b) Effective date of seal

The use of the seal described in section 179m(a)(3) of this title shall be effective for each film after the Librarian publishes in the Federal Register, in accordance with section 179m(a)(2) of this title, the name of that film as selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry.

(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, §107, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3381; Pub. L. 109–9, title III, §302(d), Apr. 27, 2005, 119 Stat. 225.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–9, §302(d)(1), inserted "in any format" after "or any copy" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–9, §302(d)(2), substituted "in any format" for "or film copy".

About This Section

2 U.S.C. § 179q is part of Title 2 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 2 U.S.C. § 179q. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 179q

What does United States Code § 179q cover?

Section 179q ("Seal of National Film Registry") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. 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 Us Code § 179q?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 179q" (Us Code). 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 Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 179q apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code 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 Us Code.