[Zacs Mom]

I read thru a number of the sites your google link offered and really didn't find any protocol with regard to the seal.

But, since I did find that the seal has been featured as the focal point of the carpet in the Oval Office through a number of Presidents, I think your assertion might be incorrect.

See:
Bush: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/12/images/20011221-2-1.jpg
Reagan: http://www.photo.net/philg/digiphotos/200209-los-angeles/reagan-library-oval-office.half.jpg
clinton: http://i.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/clintonlastdays/images/tue6.jpg

It is even used on set of the Oval Office on West Wing: http://www.inflix.com/cvfo/film_office_images/oval1.jpg

[solitas]

I can think there's a big difference between it being a fixture in the Oval Office and 'set dressing' for a public event (or a sh_tty television show).