TRENTON — It seemed like a brilliant marketing ploy when the Republican State Committee rolled it out in February: For a $25 monthly donation to the party, Gov. Chris Christie loyalists could buy the iconic lapel pin their favorite governor wears.

But there's one problem.

The pin — the shape of New Jersey emblazoned with the American flag — was designed and copyrighted by the New Jersey State Bar Association more than 10 years ago, the organization said today. And while the group is flattered that Christie wears it, they’re not O.K. with his political party raising money with it.

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