Shrnutí: The national symbols of the Czech Republic are protected by law, and their misuse may result in a fine. In 2026, misuse, gross disrespect, destruction, damage, or theft of a national symbol may be punishable by a fine of up to 30,000 CZK. However, the national flag is not restricted to use by government agencies—both individuals and legal entities may use it at any time, provided they treat it in an appropriate and dignified manner.
Do you use the national emblem or flag in an advertisement, on a product, or at a corporate event, and are you unsure whether you are violating the law? Our attorneys will review the specific manner in which you are using national symbols and alert you to potential risks before the material is published.
The state symbols of the Czech Republic are the large and small state emblems, the national colors, the national flag, the flag of the President of the Republic, the state seal, and the national anthem. They are defined by the Act on State Symbols.
Each element has strictly defined graphic parameters: the flag’s aspect ratio is 2:3, the colors have precise Pantone values, and the heraldic descriptions of the lion and eagles are firmly established in the annexes to the law.
Legal protection serves two functions: First, it ensures that state symbols are always presented with dignity and without commercial misuse. Second, it protects the state’s prestige in international relations—gross disrespect for the emblem can even lead to diplomatic repercussions.
This is therefore not merely a formality. Violations often occur unintentionally, such as when a company replaces the official shades of the flag with its “corporate color palette,” or when the Czech flag touches the ground during a sporting event. However, an offense may also occur when purchasing promotional items bearing the national emblem without the necessary authorization.
Not sure if you’re allowed to use the national emblem or flag? We can help you set up your visual communications in compliance with the law and obtain the necessary permits. Contact our experienced attorneys.
The rules vary depending on which national symbol is involved. The national coat of arms may be used in the manner prescribed by law primarily by designated authorized entities, such as Parliament, the President of the Republic, the government, ministries, regions, municipalities, courts, schools, the Czech National Bank, or athletes representing the Czech Republic.
The rules regarding the national flag are significantly more flexible. In addition to state institutions, other individuals and legal entities—such as citizens, associations, or companies— may also use it. The condition is that the national flag be used in an appropriate and dignified manner and that the legal rules governing its use be observed.
The small national emblem is also protected, but stylized versions of it—provided they are not confusingly similar—generally do not require authorization.
Dignified use of the symbol is also evaluated in terms of its physical condition: a torn flag or an emblem printed at an distorted aspect ratio may constitute a misdemeanor. Therefore, if you work with state symbols, we recommend establishing internal graphic templates, maintaining an archive of original files, and designating a person responsible for ensuring the flag is displayed correctly on important national holidays.
The most common penalty for improper handling of state symbols is an administrative offense under the Act on the Use of State Symbols. The fine can be up to 30,000 CZK for misuse, damage, or gross disrespect of a symbol, while simply displaying the flag incorrectly is punishable by a maximum fine of 10,000 CZK.
A problem may arise, for example, if someone grossly disrespects or damages a state symbol, or uses it in violation of the rules established by law. In the case of the national flag, this could include, for example, using it in a damaged or soiled condition, adding text or other imagery directly to the flag, or violating the rules for displaying it. However, a company’s mere use of the Czech flag motif does not automatically constitute an offense.
The Act on Certain Offenses also comes into play, which punishes the damage to or desecration of another state-protected symbol (e.g., a foreign flag) with a fine of up to 3,000 CZK.
Administrative authorities typically examine the motive and scope of the action: in the case of an educational presentation at a school, the focus is more on corrective measures, whereas a commercial campaign will result in the full penalty. If you have been fined, you may appeal within 15 days; it will help your appeal if you can document that it was a mistake made without the intent to deface the symbol and that you have taken corrective measures.
From a legal perspective, it is particularly important to distinguish between the national flag and the national coat of arms. A common misconception is that a company is not allowed to use the Czech flag at all, or that the same rules apply to both the flag and the national emblem. Confusing these two sets of rules can lead either to unnecessary concerns or, conversely, to the unauthorized use of the national emblem.
Have you been fined for using the national flag, coat of arms, or another national symbol, and are you unsure whether the fine is justified? We will review the authority’s decision and assess your options for further defense, and we will recommend the appropriate course of action based on the circumstances of your case.
More serious consequences arise if the misuse of symbols occurs during a period of armed conflict. The Criminal Code punishes the misuse of internationally recognized emblems—including the flag of a neutral state or the UN emblem—with imprisonment for two to eight years, or up to twenty years if significant harm or death results. It also addresses the misuse of a foreign national flag or a flag of truce: ordinary misuse carries a sentence of one to five years, while misuse of a white flag of truce carries a sentence of two to eight years.
Although these are extreme situations, the digital age amplifies the risk; for example, a deepfake video showing Czech soldiers under a false flag could constitute the crime of aiding the enemy. Companies and media outlets should therefore have a crisis protocol in place that prohibits the manipulation of national or international symbols without a verifiable source and verification. In the event of a suspected criminal offense, we recommend immediately preserving all digital evidence and seeking legal assistance, as proving intent is often crucial.
Tip: Many companies and individuals use a European trademark to protect their name, logo, or other distinctive mark that is unique and associated with their business. What are the conditions for using it?
The blue circle of twelve stars—the EU’s official symbol—attracts marketers with its visual impact, but its use is governed by clear rules. According to the European Union’s official “Legal Notice,” anyone may use the emblem provided that (a) it does not create the impression of an institutional connection with the EU and (b) it does not conflict with the Union’s objectives.
Furthermore, the Union prohibits the registration of the emblem or its heraldic imitations as trademarks. In practice, this means that the circle of stars must not dominate a product’s logo, so that consumers do not get the impression of “official” approval. Conversely, for projects funded by EU funds, its use is mandatory: each program’s specific manual specifies the minimum size, the Pantone Reflex Blue-Yellow color code, and the accompanying text regarding co-financing. Violations may result in a financial correction to the grant or the rejection of a trademark registration.
When combining the Czech flag and EU symbols in a single visual, follow the graphic guidelines for hierarchy: the national flag on the left, the EU emblem on the right, both of equal height and free of distracting elements. We recommend saving the source files and approval emails from the European Commission so that you can demonstrate proper application of the rules in the event of a dispute.
National Coat of Arms: Its use is restricted by law to authorized persons and precisely defined situations. Therefore, one cannot assume that anyone can use it freely, just as with the national flag.
National flag: Citizens, companies, and other legal entities may also use it, provided they do so in an appropriate and dignified manner.
Flying the Flag: When displayed horizontally, the white stripe must be at the top; when displayed vertically, the white stripe is on the left when viewed from the front. When raising or lowering the flag, it must not touch the ground.
Modifications to the flag: No text, images, symbols, emblems, or other elements may be added to the national flag. Damaged or soiled flags may not be used.
National Anthem: The Czech national anthem consists of the first verse of the song “Kde domov můj” (“Where Is My Home? ”). The Act on the Use of State Symbols permits the anthem to be played and sung on national holidays and on other occasions where it is customary to do so.
State Seal: The law specifies specific instances of its use, such as when sealing certain documents related to international treaties.
Tip: Read about how our Constitution is protected and how it can be amended.
Effective prevention rests on three pillars. First, establish internal guidelines: Define who can order the production of materials featuring national symbols, what the approval process is, and where the official graphic files are stored.
Second, focus on employee training: A short video explaining the difference between the national flag and graphics in national colors will reduce the risk that the marketing department will inadvertently use a protected emblem.
Third, conduct an audit of marketing and events: Before launching a campaign or holding an event, check to ensure that the flag is not faded, the emblem is not distorted, and the text of the national anthem does not contain unauthorized alterations. Municipalities have found it helpful to appoint a “symbols administrator” to oversee the display of flags on national holidays. International companies should also identify which countries have different national rules (for example, in the U.S., burning a flag is protected by freedom of speech, while in the Czech Republic it is often considered a misdemeanor).
The rules for using the national symbols of the Czech Republic vary. While the national coat of arms may be used primarily by authorized persons as defined by law, the national flag may also be used in an appropriate and dignified manner by citizens and companies. Misuse, gross disrespect, destruction, damage, or theft of a national symbol may result in a fine of up to 30,000 CZK, and certain violations of flag-displaying rules may result in a fine of up to 10,000 CZK. Therefore, before using a national symbol, always determine whether it is in fact the national flag, the national emblem, or another symbol, and what rules the law establishes for its use.
National symbols—the flag, the national anthem, the coats of arms, the colors, the seal, and the presidential standard—are defined by the Law on National Symbols.
Use is restricted to authorized entities (e.g., government agencies, schools, representatives). Other entities must obtain permission from the Ministry of the Interior.
For example, when using a damaged flag, misusing the emblem for commercial purposes, or displaying it incorrectly. The fine can be as high as 30,000 Kč.
No, unless they have explicit permission from the Ministry of the Interior. Without it, it is a misdemeanor.
They must be used in such a way as not to give the impression of an association with EU institutions. They must not be misused for marketing purposes, nor may they be registered as trademarks.
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Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 15 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 15 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
We’ll review your case and suggest how to resolve it for CZK 690.
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