Past religious teachings, traditionally passed down by word of mouth or recorded
by scribes, were subject to both alteration and misinterpretation. In contrast,
this century’s technological advances have facilitated the permanent
recording of Scientology scripture in books, tape-recorded lectures and films.
Because the original writings and recordings by Mr. Hubbard can always be examined
and verified, the technology, in truth, can never be lost. Yet despite the
emergence of Scientology in an era of technological advances, the religion
and its churches have nonetheless encountered the nemesis of alteration and
reinterpretation that has plagued other religions.
Fortunately, coincident with advances in communication, bodies of copyright and
trademark law have been developed and used to guard even religious scriptures and
symbols from misuse and alteration. It is this fundamental function of protecting the
Scientology religion’s trademarks and advanced religious scripture that Religious
Technology Center provides. It is a function that guarantees the purity and workability of
Scientology far into the future.
Initially, Mr. Hubbard personally oversaw the orthodox practice of Scientology.
As an integral part of that endeavor, he also registered as legally protectable
trademarks many of the religion’s identifying words and symbols, such as “Dianetics” and “Scientology.”
These registered marks provided a legal mechanism for ensuring that the Scientology
religious technologies are standardly ministered in exact accordance with the
scriptures and not altered by misappropriation or improper use. They also provided
a legal mechanism to prevent anyone from offering some altered or inauthentic
version of Dianetics and Scientology and representing it as the real technology.