Information for departments and colleges
In an effort to protect the intellectual property of Northern Arizona University, as well as ensuring brand compliance, colleges or departments looking to utilize NAU trademarks for uniforms, presentation displays, or promotions that involve merchandise must have permission to do so from the Trademarks & Licensing Department. All products bearing NAU trademarks are required by University Policy to be produced and purchased by a licensed vendor.
Obtaining branded merchandise or promotional items
- Choose the item you’d like to purchase
Select items that add value to your program, reflect positively on the university, and—when possible—are sustainable.
- Choose a licensed vendor
All NAU departments, student organizations, and affiliated entities must use a licensed vendor for products bearing NAU trademarks or trade names (e.g., “Northern Arizona University,” “NAU,” “Lumberjacks,” “Jacks,” “Kiss My Axe”).
Royalties: As of July 1, 2023, all items bearing NAU trademarks or intellectual property require royalties, with limited exemptions. For questions or clarification, contact licensing@nau.edu.
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For merchandise and promotional items Tab Open
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For print materials and internal display items Tab Closed
For merchandise and promotional items Accordion Open
- The NAU Campus Bookstore has the exclusive right to sell merchandise traditionally offered in university bookstores and should be given the first opportunity to quote any promotional item orders. To request a quote, visit the NAU Bookstore Custom Order website.
- You can also browse the list of licensed vendors for additional options.
For print materials and internal display items Accordion Closed
- All university offices and personnel must use University Printing Services for printing jobs that exceed routine photocopying or desktop printing.
- Waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the manager of University Printing Services. Visit Printing Services for more information.
- Develop artwork/logo use
- Approved university logos are available on Mediagraph.
- If your department does not have a logo, you can submit a logo request; a member of the Brand Management team will contact you.
- Artwork may be developed internally or in collaboration with your licensed vendor.
Logo use Accordion Open
- University Trademarks may not be altered without the express written consent from the Office of Trademarks & Licensing.
- Promotional items given away by departments are required to use the unit logo lock-up including the department name and/or be a part of a unique design not available at retail or with retail vendors. All promotional items must be ordered through a licensed vendor.
- General NAU logos are not permitted for giveaway use.
- Athletics logos: Athletics logos containing the bordering axe signify our NCAA collegiate-level sports programs and are not permitted for use by any organization, department, or division other than Intercollegiate Athletics.
- Louie the mascot logos are not permitted for giveaway use.
- Vintage/Vault marks and other specialty marks are not permitted for giveaways outside of very specific exceptions granted by the Office of Trademarks & Licensing.
- Staff uniforms and gear:
- For departmental staff orders, departments are required to use their official NAU unit logo that combines the department’s name with the official university logo.
- If a general NAU logo is desired for staff gear, orders should be placed to the NAU Bookstore at a discounted departmental rate.
- For staff uniforms to be considered royalty-exempt, the item must be required for work. Examples include police patches for uniforms, scrubs to identify NAU’s medical students in practice. The only staff apparel for uniforms that are royalty-exempt are polo shirts using the official NAU department lock-up.
Visual identity guide Accordion Closed
Reference the NAU visual identity guide when developing artwork bearing any of the NAU tradenames.
- Obtain approval from Brand Management
Submit a promotional item artwork review and approval request.
- Submit your order to the licensed vendor
Once approval is received from Brand Management, you may place your order directly with the vendor. Standard production turnaround is typically 4–6 weeks, depending on vendor capacity, weather, and delivery timelines. Be sure to confirm an in-hands date with your vendor, and note that expedited options may be available at an additional cost.
Frequently asked questions for colleges and departments
Which logo or design should I use for my order? Accordion Closed
- Most promotional items used for giveaways should use the unit logo.
- Other options for promotional items can be a unique design for special events.
- General NAU logos as a standalone logo are not permitted for use on giveaway items.
- Mascot logos are not permitted for giveaway items
- Promotional items are required to include “NAU” or “Northern Arizona University” as part of the design.
What is a licensee? Accordion Closed
A licensee is someone who has become licensed with the university and has rights to produce items using NAU logos and trademarks. Licensed vendors have submitted the required paperwork and gone through the approval process to be able to produce goods for the university.
Will my order require royalties? Is there anything exempt from royalties? Accordion Closed
Yes, all promotional items and orders for products utilizing NAU marks require royalties.
Exemptions
Items that are considered exempt from royalties are:
- Uniforms required for staff to wear (i.e., police patches, chef jackets, lab coats, polo shirts utilizing department lock-up logo that will be used for staff apparel)
- NCAA Athletics uniforms and gear required for athletes’ performance
- NCAA Athletics championship rings
- Student Sport Club uniforms
Can I use the NAU Athletics logos? Accordion Closed
The Axehead mark is reserved for use by the NAU Athletics department and retail use only.
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