TRADEMARKS & LICENSING
History
The University of Utah licensing program was established in 1979 to oversee the use of the institution’s trademarked names and marks. After twenty-six years of being administered by the University Bookstore, the program’s growth and success led to the creation of the Licensing Office in December 2005. Trademark, name, and image licensing are now handled exclusively through this department in cooperation with the University of Utah administration.
Since 1983, the Collegiate Licensing Company has served as the University of Utah's exclusive licensing agent, and been a crucial partner in helping the University of Utah become ranked as one of the top 50 schools in the United States for licensing revenue.
The licensing program began as a vehicle to protect and promote the University of Utah's marks. While this is still at the core licensing program’s mission, the continuing evolution of intellectual properties now broadens the scope of the department to include still and moving images, audio and video broadcasts as well as data rights management.
USE OF IMAGES
Photographs & Video Footage
In cases where the University does not own the copyright to the film being used but their trademarks still appear, permission can be received by contacting Getty Images as well.
For internal employee image requests, we utilize PhotoShelter. Contact Us and we can help you.
The athletics department issues press credentials for those authorized to take pictures or film of Utah Athletics events. When issued a credential, the bearer agrees to the terms and conditions listed on the back.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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According to the US Patent and Trademark Office, “a trademark includes any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination used, or intended to be used, in commerce to identify and distinguish the goods of one manufacturer or seller from goods manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods.”
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A license allows a company to produce products bearing the trademarks of an institution for sale in retail, approved distribution channels, direct to consumers, and other related entities. In exchange for rights to use these marks, a license holder (known as a licensee) agrees to pay a predetermined royalty fee.
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Royalties are sums of money paid to a licensor (owner of intellectual property, logos, word marks, etc.) for each product sold that bears the likeness of the licensor.
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Licensing fees vary depending on the type of license and if the product category you are requesting rights for is considered apparel or non-apparel.
Standard Retail License: $250 non-refundable application fee, royalty advance fee varies by product category. Additional royalty payments based on sales volume.
Crafter License: $100 annual fee. Additional royalty payments based on sales volume.
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Swoop! In 1996, Swoop was introduced as the sideline mascot of the University of Utah. Swoop is a red-tailed hawk and reflects the soaring spirit of our state and school.
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You can receive authorization to add a University of Utah logo on a headstone, urn, mausoleum plaque or other memorials. Please contact us for details at trademarks@utah.edu
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Licensing fees vary depending on the type of license and if the product category you are requesting rights for is considered apparel or non-apparel.
Standard Retail License: $250 non-refundable application fee, royalty advance fee varies by product category. Additional royalty payments based on sales volume.Crafter License: $100 annual fee. Additional royalty payments based on sales volume.
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Yes, we do offer a Crafter License Program. Please visit this page for more information.
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Look for the Label! Products that have been approved and licensed by the University of Utah will bear the Officially Licensed Collegiate Products label or hangtag. To ensure that you are purchasing merchandise that is authentic and supports the University’s scholarship programs, look for the label before you buy.
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If you are making an item for yourself that will not be sold or used for commercial purposes, you do not need a license. Please contact the Trademarks & Licensing department for prior approval of logo usage.
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In the United States, you are not required to register marks to obtain protectable rights. You can establish “common law” rights for a mark based solely on the use of the mark in commerce. Further protection can also be obtained through registering a mark with the State of Utah in order to protect the mark for its intended use. In special circumstances, it may be necessary to seek Federal Registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.For additional information on registering a trademark, please contact our office directly
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For a full list of all the vendors licensed with the University of Utah, click here and search for the University of Utah.