Brand Standards: Guides
Faculty, Staff & University Organizations
Official university departments, divisions, faculty & staff are permitted to use logos or trademarks (marks) on various marketing materials, including branded goods, provided such use reflects positively on the university and the mark(s) are used accurately.
Branded Goods (merchandise/swag/uniforms)
The use of an official logo on merchandise is always recommended; however, the marks below may be used in lieu of the official logos on products, uniforms, or merchandise.
Spirit marks can be used on a wide range of products, uniforms, or merchandise to communicate and express school spirit. However, they cannot be paired or combined, with formal marks on products, uniforms, or merchandise.
College, department, and program names or acronyms cannot be incorporated into designs as this creates a logo.
The university marks cannot be used on the color red and cannot be modified/manipulated in any way.
U State
The standalone U State is an informal option for referring to Utah State University. The U State can be used as a standalone mark on merchandise and branded goods.
The U State mark cannot be used on the color red and cannot be modified/manipulated in any way. If placing text below or to the side of the U State mark, please refer to the area of isolation guidelines on the logo and wordmark application page.
Merchandise Only Marks
These marks provide an informal reference to Utah State and can only be used on merchandise goods (uniforms, swag, etc.).
The marks cannot be used on the color red and cannot be modified/manipulated in any way. If placing text below or to the side of the marks, please refer to the area of isolation guidelines on the logo and wordmark application page.
Minimum Embroidery Sizes
| Logo | Minimum Size |
|---|---|
| U State | 1.25" high |
| Block A | 1.25" high |
| Tower | 1.75" high |
| Athletics Bull | 1.5" high |
Branded Apparel Examples
T-Shirts (3 imprint locations)
The examples below show t-shirts with three imprint areas that follow the logo guidelines. All designs include a university or unit logo.
T-Shirts (2 imprint locations)
The examples below show t-shirts with two imprint areas that meet logo guidelines. When more than one unit needs to be represented, the consolidated logo application will apply.
Polos
The examples below show polos that meet logo guidelines. We strongly encourage all designs to include a college or administrative unit logo or wordmark to properly represent your university college or unit.
Limited or Small Imprint Space Products
These guidelines are for items such as stickers, pens, pencils, flash drives and other similarly sized items that have a limited imprint space.
If logos or spirit marks are used, they cannot be modified and do require the area of isolation. All logos and trademarks must be reproduced in pre-approved colors, and must be large enough to reproduce appropriately.
Please follow the general guidelines below and work with University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing on all limited or small imprint space products. We can help create product designs that maintain the integrity of our brand and ensure the logos and trademarks will imprint well.
- If the product imprint space is 2” x 2” or smaller, often the full logo or wordmark will not fit or reproduce clearly. A wordmark is not required on limited imprint space items. However, all items must either have the U State and/or the words “Utah State University” typed out in a non-restricted font.
- The bull mark and President’s seal are restricted and cannot be used.
- Buildings cannot solely be used as designs. If buildings are used, a skyline must be included with the building. Standalone buildings could be perceived as building logos.
- Stickers must must either have the U State and/or the words “Utah State University” typed out in a non-restricted font.
Popular Products
These examples show several popular items (notebooks, padfolios, bags, awards, water bottles, pendants/banners, mugs, and stickers) with imprint designs that meet guidelines. All designs must include a U State, a college or administrative unit logo, or wordmark (mark). 
How to Order Products
- Choose a licensed vendor.
- Work with the licensed vendor to select product(s) within your budget.
- Follow the apparel, merchandise, and promotional goods guidelines. Whether submitting a design to a licensed vendor or working with them to create the design, the logo guidelines must be followed.
- The licensed vendors will submit the artwork to the University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing office via brand manager.
- Any changes needed to meet guidelines will be communicated to the vendor.
Sale of Apparel, Merchandise & Promotional Goods
Sale of branded goods by faculty and staff must comply with the university trademark licensing policy and university procurement rules and procedures.
University organizations, faculty, and staff intending to sell merchandise that contains the are produced with Utah State University's name, trademarks, and/or logos must receive advance approval from University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing as outlined in the trademark and licensing policy.
If the merchandise is to be sold (including for fundraising purposes), a retail vendor must be used and a 14% royalty will be added to the price of the branded goods. The licensed retail vendor is responsible for the royalty reporting obligations and payments on behalf of the university organization. If the merchandise is not being sold, please contact the University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing office for a royalty waiver.
If your university organization would like to use an online store for order placement and sales, you must contact trademark.licensing@usu.edu to be assigned an appropriate vendor.
Artwork Approval
All print pieces, branded goods, and other items bearing any of Utah State University’s logos or trademarks must be pre-approved by University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing per university policy 510.
Please note that branded goods (such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, uniforms, and other similar items that are produced with Utah State University’s name and/or trademarks) are considered licensable and are subject to the University’s Trademark Licensing Policies and Procedures and must be produced by a licensed vendor.
Please submit your artwork for approval via the Service Now Artwork Review Request.
Good Brand Stewardship
When organizing camps, clubs, or other activities and events, it's crucial to respect intellectual property (IP) rights to avoid legal issues and uphold ethical standards. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Use Original Content: Encourage participants to create their own original content rather than using materials that belong to others. Provide them with tools and guidance to develop their ideas.
Respect Copyright: Emphasize the importance of respecting copyright laws. Teach participants about fair use and how to properly attribute sources when necessary.
Avoid Trademark Infringement: Caution participants against using trademarks without permission. Advise them to avoid using logos, brand names, or slogans that belong to other companies or organizations.
Obtain Permission: If participants want to use third-party content, they must seek permission from the copyright or trademark holder. To be allowed to use third-party content, written permission must be provided to the university trademark licensing director for documentation. This could involve contacting the owner directly or using content that is explicitly labeled for reuse with appropriate licenses.
Create Licensing Agreements: If collaborating with external parties or using third-party content, you must coordinate with university marketing and communications and trademark licensing. This use falls under endorsements, sponsorships, and co-branding and must follow the university trademark review process. All licensing agreements are required to be reviewed and signed by university marketing and communications, trademark licensing, for trademark and logo use. University marketing and communications, trademark licensing can create licensing agreements that outline the terms of use. Ensure that participants understand and comply with these agreements.
Monitor Content: Regularly monitor the content created by participants to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws. Provide guidance and corrections when necessary.
Encourage Creativity: Foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the camp, club, or other activities. Encourage participants to explore new ideas and create original works that they can be proud of.
Lead by Example: As organizers, lead by example by respecting intellectual property rights in all aspects of your activities. Demonstrate the importance of ethical behavior and integrity.
By following these guidelines, you can create a positive and ethical environment where participants can learn and create without infringing on the intellectual property rights of others.