Leaked McDonald's marketing bible reveals how seriously the fast-food giant takes its reputation and why you'll never see Ronald in a strip club

According to the code, "Ronald McDonald is a respected role model." As one of the most recognizable faces in fast food, he cannot be seen engaging in anything bordering on inappropriate behavior.

"Do not use any nicknames for the character, such as 'RONNIE,'" the code states.

Using the possessive for Ronald or Ronald McDonald is also banned. So, advertising copy would have to read "friends of Ronald McDonald," not "Ronald McDonald's friends."

As of 2012, seven McDonald's icons had earned global icon status, according to the code: The Golden Arches (graphic only), Ronald McDonald, the Red Fry Box, the Red Happy Meal box with Yellow Smile, the Happy Meal logo, Ronald McDonald House Charities logo, and the McCafé logo.

"These icons are famous worldwide and are the most powerful and valuable of our visual symbols. It is essential that we protect all of our icons by using them only in their approved and specified forms," the code states.

As a result, McDonald's strictly enforces how "i'm lovin' it" is presented. "McDonald's® i'm lovin' it®" is allowed. "We're lovin' it" or "I'm loving it" are prohibited.

"Genuine and honest, 'i'm lovin' it' is a highly valuable asset that connects our brand to consumers. With its casual grammar, lowercased typography and personal stories, 'i'm lovin' it' is the ultimate consumer response to a McDonald's experience," the code states.

Words like McMansion and McJob might be in the dictionary, but McDonald's is strict about what items get the "Mc" treatment.

The only products, services, and programs that are allowed to have a "Mc" added on are those that "enhance the value and uniqueness of our brand," the codes states.

"Do not invent gratuitous 'Mc' or 'Mac' terms or phrases that add no long-term strategic value to the brand, such as 'McPhone,' 'McMeeting' or 'I work at McDonald's with McPride,'" the code states. "All such uses are prohibited, including on license plates and in speeches and internal materials."

McDonald's is understandably protective of its Golden Arches.

"We own one of the most recognizable symbols in the world," the code states. "The Golden Arches is our most valuable brand asset. It needs no introduction, no embellishment, no fancy technical effects. And it definitely doesn't need to be shown in multiple colors to look hip and trendy. It is at its best when it is pure and simple."

While the code acknowledges it's tempting to use The Golden Arches in "some visually witty way," the symbol can only appear in yellow, white, or black.

"Just as our Golden Arches must be protected in order to maintain brand distinction, the colors that we use for branding purposes must be carefully maintained and kept consistent," the code states. "Color accuracy is critical wherever consumers experience our brand and see our brand communications."

McDonald's has made some slight tweaks in how it uses these colors and other aspects of its brand since 2012. In 2018, the company set out to overhaul its brand marketing with a new global visual identity. The more contemporary design elements aimed to unify the brand's messaging in countries around the world, putting red and gold front and center.

• Read more on McDonald's:
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• Inside McDonald's quest to address claims of racial discrimination and erase former top executives' 'party culture'
• McDonald's gets slammed with new lawsuit claiming black franchisees were 'disparately strong armed' out of system
• McDonald's black franchisees are fighting to earn as much as their white counterparts, as dozens leave the company they once considered family