The following article originally appeared in the August 1987 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By R. James Claus, Ph.D., Karen E. Claus, Ph.D. Donald W. Large, L.L.B. The history of sign-control legislation shows that certain approaches are successful and produce fair regulation, which benefits the entire community. Industry representatives who utilize positive strategies […]
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Representative Options
By Bill Dorsey The on-premise and outdoor-advertising industries are periodically subject to both pending and proposed legislation. Here’s how five spokesmen for national sign associations protect and defend their industries. The roles played by most associations are varied, but most have at least one role in common: They all serve as legislative watchdogs for their […]
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Is Blockbuster Decision a Blockbuster?
Here’s a Video Update on the case of trademarked logos and signs in Tempe, AZ The following article originally appeared in the July 1998 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Wade Swormstedt A federal appellate court has upheld the Lanham Act and concurred with a lower-court ruling that the City of Tempe must […]
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The Fallacies of Signs, Amortization and Traffic Accidents
Some Policy Considerations For Sign Legislation The following article originally appeared in the September 1973 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Dr. R. James Claus Opponents of commercial signage in general and of billboards have recently opined that limiting the “proliferation of signs” in our society is necessary because signs cause “information overload.” […]
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Sign Codes and the Need for Advocacy
The following article originally appeared in the October 1983 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. This is Part II of a speech given at the Eight-Sheet Outdoor convention in San Francisco. By R. James Claus Objectives in code writing Sign-industry involvement in the code-writing process should include two goals: That signs be regulated to conform […]
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Some Policy Considerations For Sign Legislation
The following article originally appeared in the July 1973 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Dr. R.James Claus The following article outlines some problems of various North American cities in dealing with the visual environment. We hope this information helps any policy-making body realize the ultimate effect that its decisions regarding signage will have on larger questions, such […]
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Variance Standards
Ordinances vary from state to state, but the granting of a variance typically depends on proving a public need or unique circumstances. The following article originally appeared in the August 1987 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Bob Aran Rules are made to regulate. There is an exception to every rule. These two […]
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The Economic Values of the On-Premise Sign
The following is excerpted from a pamphlet that was published in 1983. As a member-service project, the National Electric Sign Association (now the International Sign Association) has teamed up with a well-known researcher to produce a 22-page study that underlies the importance of the on-premise sign. Here is an encapsulation of Ray Anderson’s findings, which were […]
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Senator Orrin Hatch Discusses Signs and Property Rights
Excerpts from Sen. Orrin Hatch’s keynote address at the National Sign Users’ Conference on Sign Regulation and Marketing The following article originally appeared in the August 1998 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Wade Swormstedt “I believe government regulation [of signs] has been burdensome, often times unconstitutional.” At the Intl. Sign Assn.’s (ISA) […]
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First Amendment Aspects of Takings
The following article originally appeared in Signs of the Times magazine. By Karen E. Claus, JD Phd This month, the author examines the First Amendment aspects of takings by looking at the cases of Linmark Assoc., Inc. et. al. v. Township of Willingboro et. al., which concerned real-estate signage. and Omni Outdoor Adv Inc. v. […]
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