Marshall University enjoys a rich heritage as an institution of higher education and as a major force in college athletics with loyal, active alumni worldwide. This tradition has brought with it the responsibility to see that its proud heritage is appropriately represented.
It is important for the protection and enhancement of Marshall University’s image, both in West Virginia and nationally, to establish a formal process for approval of the many products that are marketed with Marshall University symbols.
Marshall University’s logo and all indicia, marks and symbols associated with the university are registered with the United States Office of Trademarks and Patents and the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office to protect and enhance Marshall’s image and to provide royalties which support academic scholarships and other university programs.
Use of these marks other than on institutional materials and publications is prohibited without prior authorization. All federal and state laws pertaining to trademark and patent infringement apply.
The demand by university students, alumni and friends for products depicting a university trademark, logo or symbol has reached new heights. The number of manufacturers who wish to provide these products has also grown.
Marshall University has a licensing program to ensure that the public properly identify and associate university logos on products bearing the institution’s marks. The licensing program at Marshall is designed to protect the use of the university’s name and insignias.
To accomplish this, Marshall University established formal licensing procedures that will also enable the institution to share in the benefits derived from the commercial use of both its name and symbols. The licensing program also is designed to establish a cooperative relationship with licensees to assist in the further development of a market for “official licensed products of Marshall University.” In this way the consumer may be attracted to products that support the university. The licensing program promotes a relationship by which both the university and its licensees will benefit.
All approved products bearing any Marshall University symbol should be identified by a circular tag reading “Officially Licensed Collegiate Product.”
In maintaining a consistent, professional brand image for the university, we ask that you maintain our branding standards as defined on our brand website.
Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to maintain a united image for Marshall University. If you have further questions, please check out our FAQ page or contact us.