LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale is warning campaigns and businesses that the state seal cannot be used for political or commercial purposes.

Gale says he’s issuing the warning as political campaigns ramp up ahead of the general election. Gales says he has not heard of any candidates using the seal on campaign materials so far but it has happened in past election cycles.

Gale will issue a warning notice to any violators.

Permission to use the seal must be obtained in writing from the Secretary of State’s Office.

Gale says his office has recently received requests to use the seal. He’s concerned “there may be a presumption that the state seal exists in the public domain and can be used for a multitude of purposes or products.”