As defined by the US Patents & Trademarks Office, "a trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination of words, phrases, symbols or designs, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others." A trademark need not be registered in order to have protectible rights to it, simply by using or displaying a mark acquires automatic trademark rights to the owner.
2. What is a trademark license?
A license is a written legal agreement between the owner of the trademark (licensor) and a manufacturer/vendor (licensee). The licensor grants permission to the licensee to affix the licensor's trademark(s) on a product(s). This license must be in place before use of the marks.
Anyone or any business/organization wishing to use the University's trademarks or verbiage on any product must have a license before offering the product/goods for sale. This also includes sale to University departments, campus organizations and student recognized organizations. Premiums, promotions and advertising are included as well.
4. What if my item is a publication or brochure that I wish to use the University's trademarks on?
The trademarks of the University may not be used on publications, brochures, advertising or miscellaneous print material without permission from the University. Please contact the Trademark Licensing Office directly for more information.
The University partners with the Collegiate Licensing Company to represent their licensing program. Please contact them directly at:
The Collegiate Licensing Company
290 Interstate North: Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 956-0520
Fax: (770) 955-4491
6. What kinds of products can not be licensed?
Weapons/firearms, tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are not appropriate items for licensing. Other products will be considered; however, the University has the right to decline any item.
7. Are Recognized Student Organizations or campus departments required to obtain permission to use the University names/marks/logos on items used as giveaways, fundraisers or for internal use (shirts for staff, plaques, etc.)?
Yes, in order for the University to maintain and protect its value, permission must be obtained from the Trademark Licensing Office and a licensed vendor must be used.
8. Who needs to use an official licensee?
If your order will include a University mark in the design, it must be purchased by an official licensee.
9. How does the artwork approval process work?
If you have completed the licensing process through CLC, you will receive information on submitting artwork through their interactive Web site. This site manages the entire artwork approval process over the Internet.
10. How can I tell if a product is officially-licensed?
Look for the Officially-Licensed Collegiate label or hologram. This label assures you that the merchandise on which they are affixed has been approved for sale by the University and CLC. For more information about the CLC Hologram program, please go to Logos On Demand.
11. May a business, corporation or outside entity use the name or marks of the University in their name or as interior design?
The University's policy does not allow its marks to be used for commercial or promotional advertising purposes without prior approval; this approval is granted based upon each situation. The University's name and/or marks may also not be used in any way that could state or imply an endorsement. The marks/names/logos may not be used as part of a business name or within the interior design of a business and its building and/or location without prior approval. Approval is not always granted for any of the above uses. For more information on this subject please contact the directly.
If you did not find your answer in our FAQ, please contact the Trademark Licensing office with your specific question.
Michael Keener
McKenzie Addition-Neyland-Thompson Sports Ctr.
1551 Lake Loudon Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996-3100
Phone: 865.974.1444
Fax: 865.974.6377
