Chapter 21 – Licensing
(Amended 5/15)
21.1 General
The University of Iowa prohibits the use of any of its wordmarks, trademarks, logos, and/or all symbols associated with the University of Iowa without express written approval. Any approved use is subject to the licensing provisions of this procedure. For purposes of this policy, this prohibition includes but is not necessarily limited to all registered marks to the University's name, abbreviations, symbols, emblems, logos, mascot, slogans, official insignia, uniforms, landmarks, still and moving images, or songs.
The Trademark and Licensing Office shall regulate and protect the use of the University's wordmarks, trademarks, logos, and/or all symbols ("trademarks") associated with the University of Iowa, both on and off campus.
21.2 External Use of University Trademark
Only an officially licensed vendor shall produce merchandise, products, and/or items bearing the University's trademarks associated with the University of Iowa. "Officially licensed vendors" and other University vendors may not always be the same. For a current list of officially licensed vendors, contact the Trademark Licensing Office.
Manufacturers, companies, and/or individuals ("entity"/"entities") creating merchandise, products, and/or items for sale or distribution may use University trademarks only after entering into a specific license agreement with the University, which then designates that entity as an officially licensed vendor. If interested in applying for a license, apply online at http://uilicensing.com.
Entities using any University trademark for advertising or promotional purposes in any format must first obtain written permission from the Trademark Licensing Office. In most cases, a royalty or usage fee will be assessed. Permission is typically granted for a specific length of time; no open-ended approval will be granted. Acceptable appearance and usage criteria shall be applied.
The trademarks of the University will not be used in association with gambling, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, "recreational" drugs, drug-related paraphernalia, or sexual references. The University reserves the right to prohibit other uses that it deems inappropriate or inconsistent with the image and mission of the University.
21.3 Internal Use of University Trademark
Departments of the University and student organizations desiring to create merchandise, products, and/or items, regardless of distribution means, which bears a University trademark must use an officially licensed vendor.
Specific information for University colleges and departments and for student organizations can be found under the "Licensing Policies" tab at http://uilicensing.com; applications and agreement forms can be found under the "Internal Request Forms" tab.
21.4 Legal Protection and Enforcement
Federal, state, and common laws govern the University's rights to its trademarks. These laws place an obligation on the University to control its trademarks to avoid misrepresentation of the University's relationship to a product or service. Without proper control, the University risks losing its exclusive rights to its trademarks. Licensing others to use the trademarks and monitoring their use provides the needed control.
Legal protection and enforcement of the University's trademarks shall be the responsibility of the Trademark Licensing Office with the advisement of the Office of the General Counsel.
Merchandise, products, and/or items bearing University trademarks and produced without proper written University authorization may be considered counterfeit or infringing and subject to all available legal remedies, including, but not limited to, seizure of the merchandise, products, and/or items.
If you have questions, contact The University of Iowa, Trademark Licensing Office, 310 Karro Athletic Hall of Fame, 2425 Prairie Meadow Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246, 319-384-2000, uilicensing@hawkeyelicensing.com.
See also http://uilicensing.com.