Use of the University of Tennessee’s name, image, logos or other UT trademarks, in conjunction with a student organization name, implies association with the University. Therefore, only those student organizations that are officially recognized by the Dean of Students Office are allowed to use UT trademarks in conjunction with their name.
To ensure consistency in the use of the University’s name and logos, all products, signage, or packaging bearing reference to the University of Tennessee must be produced by manufacturers licensed through the University’s licensing agent, the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). All artwork must be pre-approved by the Office of Trademark Licensing prior to the production of applicable items.
The University’s standard royalty rate may be assessed to the production costs; therefore, a Royalty Determination Form must be submitted to the Office of Trademark Licensing for review. To obtain additional information regarding these requirements, contact the Office of Trademark Licensing at the above address or phone number, or e-mail Michael Keener at mkeener@utk.edu.
1. Why do I have to notify the Office of Trademark Licensing about our use of a University mark or logo?
The University of Tennessee system established a trademark licensing program in 1983. The program exists to protect the use of the University’s names, logos, slogans, insignias, symbols, and mascots, all of which are protected by Federal and State law. Any use of these marks is prohibited unless authorized by the University of Tennessee. To protect and enhance the University’s image, it is necessary to have a formal process for approval of the use of the University’s marks.
2. What qualifies as a trademark or service mark and what are some examples of UT’s marks?
A trademark or service mark is any name, word, logo, symbol, slogan, or device associated with or used by the University of Tennessee (or its campuses) to identify and distinguish its goods and services from those of others.
Examples of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s marks include*:
Examples of the University of Tennessee, Martin’s marks include*:
3. Which student groups can use The University of Tennessee’s trademarks?
Only those student organizations that are officially recognized by the Dean of Students Office are allowed to use UT trademarks in conjunction with their name.
4. How will this affect our group?
We are only asking for two things. One, that all artwork (for t-shirts, other clothing, products, signage, etc) bearing University of Tennessee marks is submitted and pre-approved by the Office of Trademark Licensing, along with the Royalty Determination Form. This is usually a very quick process and artwork is generally only denied if it portrays the University in a negative, distasteful or illegal light. Two, that all products (including t-shirts) that includes the University’s name or logos be produced by manufacturers licensed through the University’s licensed agent, the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).**
* For a complete list of licensed words and marks, please contact the Office of Trademark Licensing (865-974-1444)
** For a complete list of licensed manufacturers, please contact the Office of Trademark Licensing (865-974-1444)
Michael Keener
McKenzie Addition-Neyland-Thompson Sports Ctr.
1551 Lake Loudon Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996-3100
Phone: 865.974.1444
Fax: 865.974.6377
