Memo to members — RE: Change in Organizational Description. Dated 3-25-2025.
We would like to formally inform our members, supporters, and the public about an important update to our organization's description.
Earlier this month, we received a formal cease and desist request from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL®), sent on March 18, 2025 by the League's outside intellectual property counsel and published in full below. In their letter, the ARRL legal representatives requested that we immediately discontinue the use of the phrase "A National Association for Amateur Radio Operators," citing that the phrase "The National Association for Amateur Radio" has been trademarked by the ARRL. While we have not used their trademarked phrase directly, the letter expressed that the ARRL® is concerned that our description "A National Association for Amateur Radio Operators" "is likely to result in confusion in the marketplace." To promote clarity in the "marketplace," the ARRL also asks that we use the ® trademark symbol when referring to the ARRL.
First and foremost, we would like to express our appreciation to the ARRL for recognizing the National Amateur Radio Alliance (NARA) as a legitimate and dedicated organization serving the amateur radio community. We believe that both of our organizations share a common goal: to enhance and expand the amateur radio community. Given the large number of licensed amateur radio operators across the United States, we believe multiple national organizations can coexist, each supporting and promoting the hobby in their own way.
At NARA, we view amateur radio operators as part of a community—a diverse group of individuals who come together to share knowledge, learn, and support one another. Our organization was formed to foster this sense of community, not to participate in a "marketplace." As such, we respectfully disagree with the ARRL's assertion that amateur radio operators constitute a "marketplace." We also disagree that using the description "A National Association for Amateur Radio Operators" is likely to result in confusion between NARA and ARRL.
Although the Alliance is a young and modern ham radio association, we hold a deep and unwavering respect for the history and traditions that have shaped the world of amateur radio. We understand that amateur radio has always been a community built on values of mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to communication, experimentation, and public service. These values have been the foundation of the hobby for generations, and we strive to carry that spirit forward in everything we do. In line with this longstanding tradition of respect and cooperation, we recognize that while we may not fully agree with the ARRL stance on the points mentioned above, it is important to acknowledge and respect their position.
At the Alliance, our focus is on supporting and enhancing the amateur radio community, and we'd rather allocate our resources toward that mission. Therefore, rather than legally contesting their trademark, which has been in place for less than five years, or engaging in a battle over the ability to call ourselves "A National Organization for Amateur Radio Operators," we have made the decision to simply respect their request and comply with it.
Although there are only a few ways to describe a national organization that serves amateur radio operators, we will modify the language describing the National Amateur Radio Alliance. This change is being made solely to comply with the request from ARRL legal representatives. However, it does not alter our mission, our nationwide reach, or our commitment to supporting amateur radio enthusiasts across the country. We remain dedicated to stepping up as a prominent organization for the amateur radio community.
NARA remains steadfast in its focus on providing valuable resources, creating engagement and outreach opportunities, and advocating for amateur radio operators. The National Amateur Radio Alliance continues our mission as a nationwide alliance of ham radio advocates dedicated to supporting and empowering the amateur radio community. We hope the ARRL will consider joining us as one of these advocates.
Our vision is to foster a thriving, inclusive environment where all members of the community can grow, connect, and engage with one another. We aim to achieve our vision by collaborating with other organizations to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere for learning, exploring, and sharing knowledge. We hope the ARRL shares this vision and this commitment to working with all amateur radio organizations to support the hobby's continued growth.
Finally, no matter the language used to describe our organization, one thing is clear: we are here to support you. We look forward to serving our members and all ham radio enthusiasts from coast to coast who want to be part of a dynamic, well-prepared, educated, and actively engaged amateur radio community that is shaping the future of the hobby.
Thank you for your membership and your ongoing dedication to the growth and development of the National Amateur Radio Alliance and the amateur radio community.
Sincerely 73,
Mikel Turner, W4OPS Acting Chair, National Amateur Radio Alliance
ARRL® is a registered trademark of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated.