There's an ellipsis at the start of that, here's what the whole text looks like:
> SEC. 15. ø50 U.S.C. 3613¿ (a) No person may, except with the
written permission of the Director of the National Security Agency,
knowingly use the words ‘‘National Security Agency’’, the initials
‘‘NSA’’, the seal of the National Security Agency, or any colorable
imitation of such words, initials, or seal in connection with any
merchandise, impersonation, solicitation, or commercial activity in
a manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that such
use is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the National Security
Agency
Then it doesn't relate to this product then. In no way would anyone reasonably think that such a parody is endorsed, approved or authorized by the NSA.
NSA is on a power trip. They've changed even the relevance of the word "relevant", in their justification for spying on everyone. They'll be using any justification to further their goals, no matter how crazy it sounds. They only only a few will call their bluff, and are using it as scare tactic.
Wrong part of the government out of control. As someone else pointed out, Zazzle is most likely more scared of the lawsuit that may or may not come from this.
If the NSA had an issue with it, CafePress wouldn't be selling the same shirt.
Not sure about trademark law, but copyright law in the US has fair use provisions under which this would definitely fall (parody). (Edit: I guess maybe the gov's laws about the NSA in particular supersede this?)
Federal government entities cannot copyright, everything they produce is public domain. They can hold trademark, but usually do not since they are not trading anything. USPS is a rare exception. NSA of couse has no goods or services.
Thus the need for a specific law, as cited, to act in stead of the more familiar protections. Which law, it must be said, seems quite reasonably narrow, and should allow parody amongst other uses.
