Trademark Licensing

What Does the Policy Do?

• Protects the university’s marks and outlines who can use the trademarks and how they can be used​.
• Provides specific guidelines and standards to ensure Rutgers’ name and logos are properly used in and on all communications and university-authorized products.
• Implements the licensing program to protect the university against liability and reputational risk.
• Ensures fair labor practices and corporate responsibility standards are met.
   

How the Trademark Policy Affects You

While faculty, staff, and student groups are free to use the Rutgers trademarks, they must follow all guidelines in the Rutgers Visual Identity System.

You need approval prior to: 

• Use any logo/trademark/identifiable image on a product, whether for sale or to be given away
• Incorporate Rutgers trademarks in other places such as partner or third-party websites or ads
• Include permission to use Rutgers marks in any legal agreement

Branded Merchandise and Promotional Items 

All for-sale merchandise and not-for-sale promotional items bearing Rutgers name and trademarks must be approved by the Office of Trademark Licensing and may only be produced by licensed vendors.

The easiest way for departments and units to buy Rutgers branded merchandise is to shop at swag.rutgers.edu.

If you are ordering branded items outside of swag.rutgers.edu you must get approval for trademark usage on promo items through the Branded Merchandise Artwork Review form.

Go to swag.rutgers.edu

Partner Contracts

Use of the Rutgers name and trademarks are often part of language found in contracts with vendors, partners, sponsors, or other organizations the university is doing business with. The request for these outside organizations to use the trademarks of the university must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Trademark Licensing. We will help guide the applications and terms of use that fit each agreement appropriately. 

New Trademark Registration

Units seeking to register trademarks associated with the university must first consult with the Office of Trademark Licensing, and we will guide you through the process. All costs associated with these unit-specific registrations, renewals, and protections are the responsibility of the unit seeking the trademark. Learn more about how we help you through the trademark registration process for departments. 

Prospective Licensees

Manufacturers or service providers who would like to be considered for a Rutgers retail merchandise license should contact the university’s licensing agency, CLC. For corporate, research, or other partnerships, please contact the Office of Trademark Licensing. 

Trademark Royalties

Rutgers trademarks are federally registered. Royalties cover the costs of registering, managing, and protecting university marks and are applied to all internal and external entities, except student organizations. Applicable fee waivers will be added before the final order is placed.