The use of the Red Cross emblem is something that is taken extremely seriously, and not just as an issue of copyright.

The red cross emblem is not a logo nor a trademark. Rather, as the universal emblem of protection in armed conflict, its use is restricted under international humanitarian law and in turn by Australian law.
Source: http://www.redcross.org.au/guide-to-emblem-use.aspx

...it is one of our most valuable assets. It is an image that stands as a worldwide symbol of goodwill and humanitarianism.
Source: http://www.redcross.org/about-us/med...rand-standards

In Australia, the red cross and red crescent emblems are protected by the Geneva Conventions Act 1957. In a domestic situation the emblems must not be used without first obtaining the written permission of the Minister for Defence, and under Commonwealth law, penalties may apply. Red Cross is charged with following up on misuses, found most commonly in medical and commercial spheres, and takes this role very seriously. Misuse, or simple lack of understanding, in peacetime is likely to weaken the effectiveness of the emblems within a war zone.
Source: http://www.redcross.org.au/the-emblem.aspx

The emblems must be trusted absolutely to signify neutrality and protection. That is why their unauthorised use is forbidden in international and national law. Imitations of the red cross and red crescent emblems, the words (names) "Red Cross" and "Red Crescent" and similar wording, are also protected by law.
Source: https://www.redcross.org.uk/Forms/We...-emblem-misuse

Misuse of the emblem in peacetime diminishes its protective power when it is most needed: in times of war.
Source: http://www.redcross.org.au/emblem-awareness.aspx

The red cross emblem – a red cross on a white ground – is a symbol of protection (protective use) and of membership of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (indicative use). In times of armed conflict it is the visible sign of the protection conferred by the Geneva Conventions on the victims and on those who come to their aid; in peacetime it shows that a person or object is linked to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, of which the International Committee of the Red Cross is the founding body. Hence the emblem is also a symbol of the Movement's seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Source: https://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/d...isc/5a6j7j.htm



TakaraTomy probably figured it wasn't worthwhile having to potentially go through all the legal action that would result from putting a Red Cross on Ratchet. The solution they came up with is pretty visually interesting, IMO, and it largely preserves the look of the original character model.

Additional info:

https://www.icrc.org/eng/war-and-law...iew-emblem.htm

http://www.redcross.ca/about-us/abou...he-world-to-us

http://www.redcross.org.au/emblem-awareness.aspx