Trademarks and Licensing

1. What are royalty rates and where are they distributed?

3. Can my business use the University's name and logos in local advertising?

4. Can my business congratulate the University on a website, print or signage?

5. How do I get approval to use The University of Arizona's name or logo on a Web site or on printed material, such as postcards, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, etc.?

6. What happens if a trademark is used without a license?

7. Why is it important to buy officially licensed products?

8. When do I need to use the R and TM registration marks?

1. What are royalty rates and where are they distributed? top
Over 20 years ago, the University of Arizona established a licensing program to most importantly protect the brand of the established institution, but also to drive supplemental revenue back to the University by allowing licensees to sell merchandise bearing the Arizona marks. A royalty rate is applied to each item bearing Arizona marks at its wholesale price. The royalties are reported by licensed vendors to the University on a quarterly basis, which are then distributed among the Division of Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics for scholarships, programs and facility renovations and upgrades

Current Royalty Rates

10% “resale” royalty will apply if the item being produced is intended for retail (i.e. resold for profit)
12% “promotional” royalty will apply if the artwork includes one or more sponsor logos – regardless of whether the item will be sold or not. (The royalty rate is applied to the total gross invoice amount).
There is no royalty applied for:
1. non-resale items purchased by The University of Arizona for its exclusive use (such as brochures/print material, letterhead, business cards, uniforms, website applications, etc.) that do not include one or more sponsor/outside corporate logos;
2. items produced as official UA department, club or organization giveaways that do not include one or more sponsor/outside corporate logos;
3. artwork that does not include an official UA logo/mark.

2. What is a "trademark?" top
A trademark is any word, phrase, symbol, design, sound, smell, color, product configuration, group of letters or numbers, or combination of these, adopted and used by a company to identify its products or services, and distinguish them from products and services made, sold, or provided by others.

The primary purpose of trademarks is to prevent consumers from becoming confused about the source or origin of a product or service. Trademarks help consumers answer the questions: "Who makes this product?," and, "Who provides this service?" As consumers become familiar with particular marks, and the goods or services they represent, marks can acquire a "secondary meaning," as indicators of quality. Certain common words and geographical locations can also acquire secondary meaning and are afforded protection under the trademark law. "ARIZONA" is a geographical location, but it has also become a trademark for The University of Arizona.

Trademarks help consumers answer another question: "Is this product or service a good one to purchase?" It is obvious to most people that The University of Arizona does not make all or most of the manufactured products that carry University trademarks. Through the University's licensing program companies have been authorized (licensed) to utilize the trademarks on a variety of goods and services. The University's willingness to license these manufacturers or service providers extends to them very valuable intellectual property assets that provide consumers with access to products which they associate with the University.

3. Can my business use the University's name and logos in local advertising? top
Commercial use of the University's marks is restricted to companies that have trademark rights in an official contract with the university only. Corporate Partner programs are structured to meet the specific needs of your business and include a significant inventory of promotional and premium opportunities. For specific information on Corporate Partners with the athletic department, call Greta Todd-Conger with IMG College at (520) 626-7808.

4. Can my business congratulate the University on a website, print or signage? top
Examples of phrases that are acceptable are Go Cats, Good Luck Cats, Congratulations on a Great Season, Congratulations Arizona/Cats. Businesses must stay away from phrases that include support, proud supporter, sponsor of, brought to you by, partner or including company name with a university trademark. University logos may not be used in congratulating the university.

5. How do I get approval to use The University of Arizona's name or logo on a Web site or on printed material, such as postcards, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, etc.? top
Use of The University of Arizona's name and/or official logos requires permission from the University. Federal trademark laws require that the UA control its name and marks. Therefore, The University of Arizona is selective in granting permission for external use.

To receive approval for logo uses on Web sites or brochures/print material, please contact the UA Office of External Relations at (520) 621-6461.

6. What happens if a trademark is used without a license? top
The University is legally obligated to enforce its trademark ownership rights. The Trademarks & Licensing staff conducts routine market place surveys and works closely with local and state law enforcement organizations to shut down illegal uses. Our trademarks have been registered with the United States Customs to prevent illegal entry of counterfeit products into the United States. All products must be approved by the University's Trademark Licensing office. Failure to obtain a license or approval from the University's Trademark Licensing Office would be grounds for the seizure of all non-approved merchandise bearing the University's marks. It also could result in jail time and numerous fines if convicted.

7. Why is it important to buy officially licensed products? top
The sale of counterfeit products in the United States are estimated to be as high as $200 billion annually. Unofficial licensed products translate to lost revenue for licensed companies, local retailers and the university and it also supplies inferior products in the marketplace.

8. When do I need to use the R and TM registration marks? top
The R and TM are part of registered UA logos and must be included on all applications except for the following University exclusive use permanent physical structures which include but are not exclusive to: buildings, linoleum/concrete flooring, external and internal signage, secured benches and seating, and ceramic tile. Please contact the Department of Trademarks and Licensing at (520) 626-3077 if you have any questions about whether or not a R and TM are required for your logo application.

All officially licensed product of the University of Arizona will have the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label attached. clc logo