The Trademark Licensing Office works to insure proper control and use of all marks associated with the University. The University's trademark licensing policy shall pertain to: all items bearing University marks used for resale purposes; used for internal consumptive purposes; used for give-away purposes, used for fundraising, or used for other promotional and/or marketing/public relations oriented purposes.
Unless approved otherwise by the Trademark Licensing Office, all items manufactured containing or bearing a University mark shall be sourced from an authorized licensee. This requirement ensures consistency in the use of the University's marks and to ensure compliance with a wide range of requirements associated with the manufacture and use of the University's marks. There are approximately 250 companies officially licensed by the University to manufacture products.
It is the responsibility of all employees, departments and/or student groups making purchases to comply with this policy and to verify that the manufacturer of the product is currently licensed with the University. No employee, department or student group may represent it has the authority to authorize a third party to produce merchandise bearing University marks.
University marks not only include those trademarks shown on the licensee artwork sheet (see our protected marks) but any design or verbiage that is representative of the University or any part of the University (e.g. College of..., XYZ Building/Facility). The licensee artwork sheet shown on this website is provided to licensees as a reference tool, as it depicts the most widely used marks/names of the University on commercial products.
Products are eligible for a royalty rebate if purchased by a University department for internal use only and are not resold or given away. Required uniforms are considered internal consumption and eligible for a rebate if purchased from a licensee. However, "unofficial uniforms" (i.e. casual Friday apparel) are not eligible for a royalty rebate, even when worn by an entire department or group. Click here to complete a royalty rebate request form.
University licensees are required to collect a royalty on all items regardless of intended use. If you have purchased an item from a licensee that you believe is exempt from royalties, please complete and submit a rebate form.
Exemptions to the trademark licensing policy include:
UW Departments are afforded the ability to utilize University logos in their materials, websites, etc, but are required to comply with the current UW Brand Standards manual.
University Seal - The University seal is reserved for formal printed materials such as diplomas, medallions, awards, designated honorary certificates and official documents.
For more information on use of the University seal, visit the UW Brand standards manual or email us.
