Grafika:Groningen coa.svg

This image depicts a coat of arms of a Dutch governmental jurisdiction, municipality, province, water board (Dutch "Waterschap") or diocese. These coats of arms have been registered with the Hoge Raad van Adel [1], and are still being used in rubber stamps. Although forging of municipal/provincial rubber stamps is forbidden, every person is allowed to use the image of the arms. Actually 'using' it (The impression of the coat or seal) may be restricted. See memo MinBiZa (Dutch).

Fragment from the memo: The depiction of a municipal seal is allowed: the municipality holds no rights of creation of the seal. There is also no objection against the use of a municipal seal for localising objects that are traded or that are being advertised, just as long it is ensured that no impression of municipal involvement or responsibility is created.

In view of Dutch legislation this image is regarded as being in the public domain, as are reproductions of this seal.