Trademark Rights
The Double R Mark, called the "Roycroft Renaissance Mark," has been used by the Roycrofters-At-Large Association, Inc. (RALA) since the 1970's. This mark is a valuable trademark, and RALA limits use of the trademark to Artisans who are members of RALA and whose work is approved by the jury of Roycroft Master Artisans. Such Artisans may use the mark only on work in the media category in which they have been approved for one year, provided that all pieces bearing the mark are in keeping with RALA's standards, i.e., the high standard of quality workmanship that Elbert Hubbard set for the original Roycrofters. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by RALA in writing, all other uses of the mark are prohibited. By completing an application to become a Roycroft Artisan, you acknowledge RALA's rights in its valuable trademark, and you agree not use the trademark except as expressly permitted by RALA and in accordance with RALA's standards. If you should fail to abide by these rules, you agree that, upon written notice from RALA terminating your membership and/or Artisan approval, you will cease all use of the mark. You further agree: not to contest the validity of RALA's rights to the mark; not to do or cause to be done any act or thing that may in any way adversely affect RALA's rights to the mark or any registrations therefor; not to use the mark or Roycroft name or any confusingly similar mark/name as part of your business name or upon your work; and upon RALA's request, to use the following trademark ownership legend - "The Roycroft Renaissance Mark is a trademark of Roycrofters-At-Large Association, Inc. used under license." - on brochures, web pages, product hang tags, and other product-related materials, wherever possible.
Artisans agree to uphold the standards and ideals of the organization throughout their tenure as members
A Little History
Some of the founding members of this core group were: Nancy Hubbard, a grand daughter of "Fra" Hubbard; Charles Hamilton, a historian and frequent author on Hubbard and the Roycroft; Kitty Turgeon, then Inn Keeper at the Roycroft; and Rixford Jennings, a local artist who grew up as a paper boy on Hubbards' Campus who, along with a meeting room full of others, decided that this was something too important to let slip into the dust of an attic bound history book.
After several meetings and energetic discussion the Roycrofters-at-Large Association (RALA), was formed. The bond they created was blessed by the Spirit of Roycroft. Today the not-for-profit organization is still actively working to keep alive the history and philosophy of Roycroft through special events centered on and around the Roycroft Campus. Through the efforts of Kitty Turgeon and the RALA organization the Campus became a National Historic Landmark. You are invited to come and visit East Aurora, New York, home of The Roycroft and RALA, through this Web site and in person, and may the Spirit of Roycroft be with you on your "Little Journey."
The Roycroft Mark ~ Old and New
The original Roycroft mark (the single 'R') was trademarked by Elbert Hubbard in 1906. It is said to be older than recorded time -- used by monks in the middle ages at the end of their hand-illuminated manuscripts signifying The Best I Can Do, Dedicated to God.
Hubbard added the 'R' symbolizing Royal Craft -- Roycroft. In 1976, Rixford Jennings changed the design to incorporate two back-to-back R's signifying the Roycroft Renaissance for the Roycrofters-At-Large Association.
The back-to-back R mark is Nationally Registered and may only be used by RALA's juried artisans.
The RALA is a 501(c) 3 Not-For-Profit corporation, administered by an elected board of directors. The board relies upon standing committees as defined by the by-laws (under membership menu). Members are also eligible to hold seats on the board and to participate in all committees.