It is not acceptable to highlight the shield by placing a rule around it...

or by changing the background behind the shield as these modifications severely alter the character of the mark.

The background behind the shield - between the stripes - should always be exactly the same as the background around the shield.

On the other hand, it is acceptable to place the signature in a separate box or bar in order to make a clean background on a pattern or photograph- as long as the encroachment rules are followed.