Sec. 9. (a) Only one (1) brand may be awarded or recorded for each owner of livestock. However, the owner or owners of separate and distinct livestock operations may, at the discretion of the board, record one (1) brand for use at each distinct and separate livestock operation.

     (b) A brand may not be recorded or used if the brand:

(1) is identical with or, in the opinion of the board, is so similar to any brand previously recorded and remaining of legal record; or

(2) is an abandoned brand but has not been abandoned for five (5) years;

so as to be liable to cause confusion as to the identity or ownership of livestock.

     (c) If the board determines that the submitted brand is already on record for another person or that it so closely resembles a previously registered brand that the brands cannot be readily distinguished, the board shall notify the applicant and return the facsimile brand and recording fee. In case of duplications, applications bearing the earliest postmark will be accepted.

     (d) The board shall adjust conflicting stock brands and make any necessary changes. Changes made by the board are conclusive, and brands the board indicates may be recalled or adjusted at any time by means of written notice from the board given to the owner of the brand.

     (e) A brand may be recorded in Indiana only in the office of the board.

[Pre-2008 Recodification Citation: 15-5-14-5.]

As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.10.