(1) All applications for brands, catch brands, renewals, and assignments thereof shall be submitted to and approved by the department prior to use. The department may refuse to approve any brand or catch brand which is identical to or closely resembles a registered brand or catch brand, or is in use by any other person or was not selected in good faith for the marking or branding of forest products. If approval is denied the applicant will select another brand.

(2) The registration for all existing brands or catch brands shall expire on December 31, 1984, unless renewed prior to that date. Renewals or new approved applications shall be for five-year periods or portions thereof beginning on January 1, 1985. On or before September 30, 1984, and September 30th immediately preceding the end of each successive five-year period the department shall notify by mail all registered owners of brands or catch brands of the forthcoming expiration of their brands and the requirements for renewal.

(3) A fee of fifteen dollars shall be charged by the department for registration of all brands, catch brands, renewals or assignments prior to January 1, 1985. Thereafter the fee shall be twenty-five dollars.

(4) Abandoned or canceled brands shall not be reissued for a period of at least one year. The department shall determine the right to use brands or catch brands in dispute by applicants.

(5) The department may adopt and enforce rules implementing the provisions of this chapter.

(6)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, a violation of any rule adopted by the department under this [the] authority of this section is a misdemeanor.

(b) The department may specify by rule, when not inconsistent with applicable statutes, that violation of a specific rule is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.

Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

Effective date—1987 c 380: See RCW 7.84.900.