Indicia of ownership
Marks on a pallet that identify its owner; a defined term in California law.
California's Business and Professions Code defines 'indicia of ownership' as words, symbols or registered trademarks printed, stamped, etched, attached or otherwise displayed on a merchandise pallet's exterior that reasonably identify the owner.
The term triggers California's rules. Holding a marked merchandise pallet without authority, or obliterating its marks other than by the owner, is punishable under the Penal Code (§ 22753). Junk dealers and recyclers may not buy marked pallets from anyone but the indicated owner without a receipt or written authority (§ 21609.7).
Other states use different terms: Florida speaks of a registered mark or brand, Minnesota of an owner's affixed notice. See marked pallet laws.
Pooled pallets" painted colour and printed owner name are typical examples of indicia of ownership. California also lets a recycler take good-faith possession of marked pallets that an owner fails to retrieve, after notice and a 35-day period. See the California page for the full rule.
Sources
- Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 22750 (definitions: merchandise pallet, indicia of ownership) California Legislature. Accessed October 27, 2026. Text read through the california.public.law mirror, which reports it verified against leginfo on Oct. 26, 2026.
- Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 22753 (unauthorized possession; obliteration of marks) California Legislature. Accessed October 27, 2026. Read through the california.public.law mirror.
- Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 21609.7 (junk dealers and recyclers: marked bulk merchandise pallets) California Legislature. Accessed October 27, 2026. Read through the california.public.law mirror.