Information for student groups and organizations
Northern Arizona University’s Trademark Licensing Program exists to protect and promote the indicia (name, logos, graphics, marks, etc.) owned by Northern Arizona University. The goal is to ensure proper use and application of Northern Arizona University trademarks, to strengthen relationships with retailers, licensees, campus units, student organizations, alumni and fans, and to generate revenue that funds various campus programs and facilities.
Ensure compliance
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), Club Sports, Intramural Sports, Fraternities, and Sororities may produce, sell, or give away merchandise bearing approved university marks by obtaining permission from the Office of Trademarks & Licensing prior to production.
The production of NAU merchandise which features any university trademark (name, logo, mascot, or verbiage) must comply with the NAU Trademark Licensing Policy and reflect positively on the university. All products are required to obtain permissions by the Office of Trademarks & Licensing before production. Organizations intending to sell this merchandise as a fundraiser for their organization are required to pay adhering royalties on products.
Please note: no club or organization may imply that it is functioning on behalf of Northern Arizona University unless it has been officially sanctioned. Therefore, it is required that student organizations who wish to use their group logo or name in conjunction with any of the approved NAU marks utilize “at Northern Arizona University” when defining the relationship of their organization and NAU, e.g., “Future Teachers Club at Northern Arizona University” or “Archery Club at NAU.”
Obtaining branded merchandise or promotional items
1. Identify the item you are looking to purchase.
- Consider items that will add value to your program and will reflect positively upon the university. While some items may be “cute” or provide novelty, is it something that will inspire goodwill toward your program and NAU?
2. Identify a vendor to produce your product.
- All Northern Arizona University departments, student organizations, and associated entities are required to use a licensed vendor for Products bearing NAU trademarks and tradenames (i.e., logos, verbiage including but not limited to “Northern Arizona University,” “Jacks,” “Lumberjacks,” “Northern Arizona,” “NAU,” “Kiss My Axe”).
Royalties: Please note as of July 1, 2023, all items bearing Northern Arizona University trademarks and IP require royalties.
For any questions or clarification, email licensing@nau.edu.
For merchandise and promotional items Accordion Closed
- The NAU Campus Bookstore is contracted with the university for the exclusive right to sell merchandise traditionally offered in University Bookstores and should be afforded the first opportunity to quote any promotional items. To request a quote, please visit the NAU Bookstore custom order website.
- For promotional products or any merchandise, browse a list of licensed vendors.
For print materials and internal display items Accordion Closed
All University offices and personnel are required to use University Printing Services for the University printing jobs in excess of their own routine photocopying and desktop printing. The manager of University Printing Services may grant a waiver of this requirement on a case-by-case basis. Please visit Printing Services for more information.
3. Develop artwork
- Artwork may be developed internally or in collaboration with the licensed vendor of your choosing.
- Sport clubs: All currently recognized Club Sports housed under Campus Recreation have official Sport Club logos and branding guidelines to adhere to. To access these logos, please email campusrec@NAU.edu. If your sport club does not have a logo, please contact us.
Logo use Accordion Closed
- Organizations and clubs not registered with the Office of Student Life or those not officially recognized by the university are not permitted to use any NAU logos or verbiage. Browse a full list of recognized clubs and organizations or a list of recognized sport clubs.
- University Trademarks may not be altered without the express written consent from the Office of Trademarks & Licensing.
Approved logos
- Institutional logo in its entirety
- University tradenames and verbiage (Northern Arizona University, NAU, Lumberjack(s), NAU Lumberjack(s), Jacks)
Brand Identity Guide Accordion Closed
Reference the Brand Identity Guide while developing artwork bearing any of the University tradenames.
Usage of NAU logos, trademarks, and associated verbiages for promotional purposes Accordion Closed
Official student organizations that wish to use NAU logos or trademarks in addition to their organizational names must restrict the uses of such marks to those approved by University Marketing (listed below).
Student organizations, their members, and all individuals in the NAU community should be aware that the use of the NAU logos and/or marks on a given piece of promotional material does not mean that NAU, as an institution, endorses the student organization’s event or initiative. The university does not —either explicitly or impliedly—endorse activities undertaken by student organizations. Use of the “A student organization at NAU” mark on student organization materials is permitted only to ensure that the university brand is presented consistently. University Marketing review (when needed) is strictly limited to reviewing the logo and mark usage and does not extend to reviews and approvals of content and or perspectives expressed in student organization materials.
Logos, trademarks, and verbiages approved for student organizations to use on promotional materials Accordion Closed
a. The phrase of “A student organization at NAU” in the two specified formats shown below are options to be used in addition to the name of the student organization.
Artwork and variations can be found on the NAU Student Organization Logos Widen collective.
a.1. For t-shirts and any other items (pens, pennants, magnets, etc.) will be ordered through NAU licensees, a registration mark is required for NAU ligature in the options shown above.
Artwork and variations can be found on the NAU Student Organization Logos (Registered) Widen collective.
b. full-body Louie graphic without any alternation, verbiage, text, or additional design elements.
Graphic file can be requested per use case through marketing@nau.edu.
c. Verbiage to use in text-only format (instead of using the options under a.): xxxxx (student organization name) “at Northern Arizona University” or “at NAU”.
c.1. For social media use (in description, part of the account name, in the homepage or profile images, etc.), either of the above phrases or StOrg@NAU can be used.
c.2. For t-shirts and any other items (pens, pennants, magnets, etc.) will be ordered through NAU licensees, a TM mark is required for “Northern Arizona University” and a registration mark is required for “NAU” (as seen in the examples below).
- xxxxx (student organization name) at Northern Arizona University™
- xxxxx (student organization name) at NAU®
d. Verbiage associated with the university: Lumberjack(s) and Jacks. TM mark is required for these as well.
Unapproved logos Accordion Closed
Logos or marks not permitted for use by student groups include, but are not limited to:
- Any Vault logos and/or discontinued NAU Trademarks or logos
- Heritage logos and marks unless permission granted by University Marketing department prior to production
- 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.
4. Obtain University Marketing approval
- Submit a branded merchandise and promotional items approval request. The form will require you to include the following information:
- Licensed vendor name
- Upload of the design file or art submission
- Intended use of the item
- Contact information
- Submit a branded merchandise and promotional items approval request. The form will require you to include the following information:
5. Submit order to licensed vendor
- Upon receipt of approval from University Marketing, you may place your order directly with the vendor.
- Standard turnaround time for production can be anywhere from 4–6 weeks and will vary based on production capacity, weather (for delivery), and vendor. When working with the vendor, please establish an “in-hands” date to determine whether they will be able to meet your needs. In some cases, expedited production and shipping may be available at an additional cost.
Explore University Trademarks & Licensing information
Not a student group?
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