Policy for internal use of UC trademarks

Uses that may not require approval
Some uses of UC trademarks may not require prior approval from UC’s Office of Trademarks & Licensing, including:

Use of UC’s name or other trademarks in connection with news reporting and other fair uses that do not undermine UC’s rights to its trademarks. These editorial or communication types of use should be approved by the associate vice president for public relations, or the office of Governmental Relations and University Communications. For similar uses of athletic trademarks, approval should be obtained from the senior associate director of Athletics or the assistant director of Athletics for sports communications.

Trademark uses that require approval
All uses of UC’s trademarks on products require prior approval from the Office of Trademarks & Licensing, even if the proposed uses do not involve the sale of a product; e.g., promotional items for conferences or meetings, items for fundraisers, items for giveaways, gifts, etc.

UC departments, groups, and registered student organizations may not assign rights or otherwise grant permission to any other entity for use of UC’s trademarks for any purpose without prior review and approval by UC’s Office of Trademarks & Licensing.

Requirement to use licensed manufacturers
All products bearing UC’s trademarks must be purchased from companies licensed by the University of Cincinnati.

There are approximately 250 companies officially licensed by the University of Cincinnati through our agent (the CLC) to manufacture products which bear UC’s trademarks.

Guidelines for using UC trademarks:
Inappropriate use

UC’s trademarks may not be altered in any way.

UC trademarks may not be used in conjunction with the name or trademark(s) of any other entity without the prior written permission of that entity and the university. If permission is granted by the Office of Trademarks & Licensing to use both UC’s trademark and another party’s trademark, the trademarks must be distinct and separate from each other, and UC’s trademarks must not be overshadowed or diminished in any way in comparison to the other entity’s trademark. Approval of any such dual use of UC’s trademarks will be limited to instances where there is a compelling institutional priority for allowing such a use.

UC trademarks may not be used in any manner that suggests or implies University of Cincinnati’s endorsement of other organizations, companies, products, services, political parties or views, or religious organizations and beliefs.

UC’s trademarks may not be used in any way that discriminates or implies discrimination against any persons or groups based on age, ancestry, belief, color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status, or in any other way that would be a violation of UC’s anti-discrimination policies or practices.

No one other than the University of Cincinnati may claim copyright or trademark rights or seek to register any design that uses University of Cincinnati trademarks.

All uses of UC trademarks on products will incorporate the appropriate trademark designation symbols (i.e. ® or ™).

The University of Cincinnati will not approve the use of UC trademarks in connection with products or designs that present an unacceptable risk of liability or could be harmful to the mission or image of the institution. Some of these include, but are not limited to the following:
• Products that could be used to injure or kill;
• Alcohol products;
• Tobacco-related products;
• Illegal drug-related products;
• Sexually suggestive products or language;
• Art depicting or implying the use or endorsement of:
• illegal drugs;
• tobacco products;
• firearms or other weapons;
• racist, sexist, hateful, demeaning or degrading language or statements;
• profanity;
• sexual acts;
• statements impugning other universities;

Student athletes
Any and all uses of the names, numbers, and/or images of UC student athletes must comply with university policies and NCAA regulations.  Questions should be directed to the director of trademarks & licensing, who will consult as appropriate with UC Athletics. 

Approval process
1. Begin the process early to allow for sufficient time reservations.
2. Send an e-mail to the director of trademarks & licensing, Martin Ludwig at martin.ludwig@uc.edu. Include the following information:  your department/organization, requestor’s name, e-mail address and telephone number.
3. Complete the form which will be sent to you by the director of trademarks & licensing (UC Licensing Internal Request Form).

Approval to use a UC trademark (for example on a t-shirt) does not constitute approval to use the trademark again, or in connection with any other item, or to change the design in any way, without seeking additional approval.

Clarification of use
In instances where there is uncertainty regarding the appropriate use of any UC trademarks, the director of trademarks & licensing will consult as needed with the senior associate vice president for Campus Services, the associate vice president of public relations, the associate vice president for Governmental Relations and University Communications, and/or UC’s Office of General Counsel. The University of Cincinnati reserves the right to disapprove any use of its trademarks, even if such use is not explicitly prohibited by these guidelines.

Contact
For further information or assistance, contact the University of Cincinnati’s Office of Trademarks & Licensing at 513-556-5072.