Trademarks and Licensing
Trademarked logos, words and graphic configurations convey intellectual and emotional attributes and messages about an institution’s reputation, missions and services. It’s imperative to manage our trademarks because of the extensive use of our name, logos and graphics, both internally and externally.
Table of Contents
Definitions
- Logo – the core identifier of an organization and serves as the foundation for the entire narrative on which the brand is built. It is the most consistent component in an organization’s communications.
- Wordmark – a distinct text-only typographic treatment that only features the name of an organization or institution. It does not contain images, icons, or emblems.
- Configuration – a graphic representation that includes logo elements and unit identifier(s) arranged in a specific manner to show hierarchy, purpose or priority.
Registered Trademarks
Displayed below are the primary logos of the University of Georgia. Usage of any other academic or athletic logos of the university that are not included below are also subject to the university policies, style guides and procedures outlined on this site.
Graphics
Wording
The following descriptors are protected wording of the University of Georgia and require approval for use in promotional or marketing purposes:
- University of Georgia®
- Georgia®
- UGA®
- Bulldog(s)®
- Between The Hedges®
- How ’Bout Them Dogs®
- How ’Bout Them Dawgs®
- Go You Silver Britches™
- University of Georgia Athletic Association™
- Hairy Dawg®
- Dawg(s)®
- Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry™
- Hunker Down™
- Gym Dawgs™
- Attack the Day®
Trademark Usage
Use of our marks on promotional items and merchandise should be done with thought and purpose. Use of university marks by any organization implies association. This page outlines how a requestor’s access to university trademarks is based on association with the University of Georgia. All usage of university marks must be approved by the Office of Trademarks and Licensing prior to use.
External Groups
Companies interested in marketing, producing or selling merchandise using university trademarks through retail distribution channels must obtain a license to do so. Fanatics Licensing Management manages the University of Georgia’s retail efforts. All companies must complete the application and the requirements for licensing as outlined by Fanatics.
Internal Groups
Campus departments and recognized student organizations may use University of Georgia marks on product designs and on event promotional items. All departments and organizations must follow approval procedures.
Items requiring review and approval
Schools/Colleges/Units
Only colleges, schools, departments, divisions, units and other groups and organizations officially recognized by the University of Georgia are allowed to use university trademarks in conjunction with their organization’s name as outlined in the Unit Logos section.
Student Groups
The university grants student organizations the right to use the university’s trademarks in custom designs consistent with each group’s recognized status. Student organizations must be officially registered and follow the Student Affairs trademark use approval process.
Individuals
No individual, regardless of their affiliation with the university, may use any university mark in any manner that suggests or implies university support or endorsement of a point of view, personal or political opinion, business activity or movement. The university recognizes the following exceptions:
- Cakes/Edibles – Adding marks to cakes, cookies and other edibles is permissible, with prior university approval, in commemoration of student graduations, marriages or other milestones.
- Memorials/
Grave Markers – Alumni, faculty, staff and students of the university may, with prior university approval, use approved university marks in memorial of loved ones who have passed away. - Student Business Cards – Students may request business cards bearing the university logo from Tate Print and Copy Services or Bulldog Print + Design. These cards use a pre-approved template. Custom business cards bearing the university logo are prohibited.
Compliance Review and Approval
Seeking approval for appropriate usage of university marks is quick and efficient. For ease of review and provision of required documentation for internal reimbursements, please see Trademarks Policy — Compliance and Approval Process.
Forms and Resources
Trademark Policy
The current University of Georgia trademark policy is maintained by the Division of Marketing and Communications. The policy is regularly reviewed and updated as needed.
Approved Vendors
University of Georgia policy stipulates that campus organizations must use approved vendors for merchandise fulfillment. These approved vendors have undergone a thorough screening process to guarantee that they:
- Adhere to strict business codes/ethics,
- Maintain liability insurance against claims on their products,
- Pay fees to the university for usage license(s), and
- Return royalties to the University of Georgia for retail sales of merchandise bearing our marks.
Become a Licensee
Fanatics Licensing Management grants licensing permission to approved vendors to use marks owned by the University of Georgia. Companies wishing to become licensed vendors should complete an application through Fanatics. The review process takes approximately six weeks.
Approval Form
Compliance review begins with receipt of a completed approval form and art proof with marks displayed. Include as much detail as possible to facilitate quick and efficient approval.
Digital Art Sheet
This digital art sheet details the primary institutional academic and athletic marks, approved wording, brand colors and recommended usages for print, digital and embroidered executions. Usage of any other institutional academic or athletic logos, not included here, are also subject to university policies, style guides and procedures outlined on this site.
Delegated Items
Use of university trademarks on any promotional items, merchandise or apparel is subject to compliance review. Externally paid advertising materials also require review.
Trademark approval on the following, and similar, items for internal school, college or units has been delegated to the executive leadership of the school, college or unit:
- catalogs,
- magazines,
- annual reports,
- newsletters,
- brochures,
- posters,
- folders,
- invitations,
- cards,
- event signage,
- banners,
- table tents, and
- tablecloths.
All other products must be approved by the Office of Trademarks and Licensing.
Logo Liaisons
School, colleges and units of the University of Georgia have designated logo liaisons available to answer unit-specific questions regarding trademarks.
Athletic Marks
University of Georgia Athletic Association maintains control over all registered athletic marks.