faq

1. Why does the University have a trademark licensing program?
Creating and maintaining positive relationships with suppliers benefits the University community in two important ways. First, it allows the University to do everything possible to make sure that all promotional merchandise is purchased from companies who treat their employees fairly. Second, it allows the University to protect and promote its name(s) and symbols in a positive manner. Having a formal licensing relationship with suppliers of imprinted merchandise helps the campus community address these two important areas.

2. Does the licensing program support fair labor practices?
Washington University in St. Louis is affiliated with the Fair Labor Association (http://www.fairlabor.org) and the Worker Rights Consortium (http://www.workersrights.org/). When you use licensed manufacturers, you are helping to encourage fair treatment of workers nationally and internationally.

3. Who needs to obtain a license?
Any individual (including students) or organization (including University departments and student groups) wishing to use the University’s name, marks, or logos on apparel or novelty items should hire a company licensed to reproduce the University's marks. Any supplier wishing to provide imprinted merchandise to any University client should obtain a license to reproduce University marks. This includes all uses of the University’s names and symbols on products, including those for promotions and advertising.

4. How does a supplier become licensed?
To become licensed, a supplier must submit an application to Licensing Resource Group (LRG). LRG serves as the University’s agent for the administration of license agreements. To obtain an application packet or learn more about licensing, please contact LRG: 426 Century Lane, Suite 110, Holland, Michigan 49423, Telephone: 616-395-0676, http://www.lrgusa.com.

5. Whom can I contact at the University with specific questions or to obtain forms?
Director of Product Licensing, Office of Public Affairs, Campus Box 1177, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899. Phone: 314-935-8154. Fax: 314-935-8358. click here to send e-message

Waiver of Royalty or Art Approval Request forms are available as pdf files or in hard copy.

6. How do I obtain approval for artwork?
Because University graphics and guidelines have recently been updated, it is important to find out if your artwork is current. To obtain feedback on and approval for artwork, please send the proposed graphic (via email, fax, or hard copy delivery) to the director of product licensing (Director of Product Licensing). Graphic artwork should be accompanied by a description of the product and of the colors, placement, and size of the logo(s) to be used.

Your artwork may be submitted by the licensed supplier that you choose. Graphic artwork submitted by licensed suppliers should be accompanied by an artwork approval request form.

7. How do I submit artwork for approval?
Fax, mail, or e-mail the request form with the artwork to the Director of Product Licensing.

8. What guidelines are available for use of the University's graphics and name?
See “Graphic Standards for Licensed Products,” available as a pdf file (click here) and in hard copy from the Director of Product Licensing. See also FAQ #10.

Guidelines for Commercial Use of WUSTL Names & Symbols is available as a pdf file (click here).

In addition, the director of product licensing is available for consultation on a case-by-case basis.

9. What artwork is available online?
First of all, see the Product Graphics page of this Web site, where the artwork pictured in the “Graphic Standards for Licensed Products” is available. In addition, all versions of the official University logotype are available (clink here for the official logotype Web site).

10. When is TM or ® required?
All names and visual representations of Washington University in St. Louis are the exclusive property and trademarks of the University.This includes all word marks, service marks, names, name variants, nicknames, logotypes, logos, insignia, shields, seals, designs, devises, or symbols that refer to Washington University in St. Louis. Also included are any words, phrases, or images that imply association with the University.

The ® must be used with federally registered marks. The University's federally registered marks are: the versions of the official logotype," Washington University," "WUSTL," official University Seal, the historical, interlocking WU. TM must be used with all other trademarks, including the complete name "Washington University in St. Louis."

Please direct any questions regarding use of ® or TM to: Director of Product Licensing

11. What are the University’s PMS colors?
PMS 342 Green
PMS 466 Tan (coated)/ 467 Tan (uncoated)
PMS 193 Red (coated)/ 186 Red (uncoated)
PMS 202 Deep Red (for new bear)

12. What guidelines are available for use of the official University logotype?
See “Guidelines for Logotype Use and Applications,” available as a pdf file (click here) and in hard copy from the Director of Product Licensing. The logotype is a federally registered trademark.

13. Where and how may the University Seal be used?
Use of the Official University Seal (a federally registered trademark) will be limited to authorized University documents (such as diplomas and certificates) and high-end, substantial, formal objects. It cannot be used on clothing, printed materials, or for any other less-than-formal purposes. Note: Each use of the Seal requires special permission of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs.

14. Where and how may the University shield, or crest, be used?
The University shield may be used only as part of the official University Seal or logotype (both are federally registered trademarks). The shield, or crest, may not be used alone.

15. Are there special guidelines for use of athletic symbols?
Special Note: Each use of the athletic symbol requires special permission of the Director of Athletics, which may be obtained through the Director of Product Licensing. The Washington University athletic symbol was redesigned in 2006 to create a new, unified "look" for the Athletics Department. The symbol is designed to be applied to materials that relate directly to or convey messages about the athletics programs at Washington University in St. Louis. The athletics symbol is not designed to be used for endeavors related to the University research or teaching missions; the official logotype of the University (and its guidelines) is to be employed for these purposes.

The athletic symbol may not be modified in any way. Every use of the athletic symbol must be accompanied by the complete, correct University name. Artwork and guidelines for use of the athletic symbol are available through the product licensing office and at productgraphics.wustl.edu.

16. What are the guidelines for use of "WUSTL" and "WU?"
The preferred wordmark of the University is "WUSTL," and the preferred configuration of "WUSTL" is the University Monogram (see the graphics page of this Web site). All configurations of "WUSTL" and “WU” must be accompanied by the complete, correct name “Washington University in St. Louis.” The historical, interlocking WU is a federally registered trademark.

17. What are the guidelines for use of “Wash. U.?”
The configuration “Wash. U.” may be used, but only in combination with the complete, correct name “Washington University in St. Louis.” In addition, periods must be used with the abbreviations, after “Wash.” and after “U.”

Questions or Problems? Contact the Director of Product Licensing