Frequently Asked Questions

A trademark is generally a name, word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods or product of one party from those of others. A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than goods. By registering trademarks or service marks, either at a state or federal level, a company or organization establishes the rights to exclusive use of their indicia (name, logos, graphics, marks, etc.) and limits or prohibits use by others. Throughout informational materials about NAU’s University Trademark Licensing Program, the terms “trademark” and “mark” refer to both trademarks and service marks.

NAU must control and monitor the use of its trademarks or risk losing the right to use them as unique identifiers of Northern Arizona University. NAU has a compelling interest in controlling the use of its trademarks for other reasons as well. These include, but are not limited to:

• Protecting NAU’s name and ensuring that its use, across all units of the university, is compatible with the Northern Arizona University’s goodwill and reputation
• Ensuring that any products or services bearing NAU trademarks are of high quality and are used tastefully and only in connection with products and services with which the institution has chosen to be identified
• Preventing misleading or inaccurate portrayals of NAU’s relationship to others or to activities, and preventing others from taking advantage of the goodwill the institution has developed and which is symbolized by its trademarks
• Ensuring products and services bearing NAU’s trademarks protect the integrity and reputation of the institution, maintain and build upon the goodwill of the institution, and promote support for and increase awareness of the institution, its mission and goals

The ® and ™ symbols provide public notice of exclusive ownership of the related word or symbol. The ™ symbol is recognized as an abbreviation for “trademark” and should be used for words, symbols, artwork, etc. that give reference to Northern Arizona University. The ™ symbol is included in conjunction with NAU marks and verbiage to express the university’s intent of exclusive ownership over those indicia. The ® symbol denotes that the word, symbol or image is federally registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

These symbols must be used on all items, regardless of distribution method or intended use, whether for internal or external use, including but not limited to:

• Clothing, uniforms and other apparel
• Novelties, gifts, plaques, awards and other branded merchandise
• Pens, keychains, water bottles, tote bags or other giveaway items

Print- or web-based material produced by the university for the purpose of official university business (letterhead, business cards, brochures, etc.) may omit the symbols.  However, when space allows, the following disclaimer should appear,  “The words “Northern Arizona University” and the identifying marks used on this document are official trademarks of Northern Arizona University and may not be reproduced without express written permission of the university.”

For guidance, contact the University Trademark and Licensing Manager.  Exceptions for omission of the trademark symbols granted by the Licensing Director are offered on a case-by-case basis and do not constitute a change in policy.

A license to produce NAU products is an agreement that is formed between the university, its licensing agent, IMG College Licensing, and the company producing products bearing the marks of NAU.

All vendors or manufacturers wishing to produce items including NAU trademarks, regardless of distribution method or intended use, are required to obtain a license with NAU’s licensing agency, IMG College Licensing (IMGCL).

NAU departments, groups, and registered student organizations may not assign rights or otherwise grant permission to any other entity for use of NAU’s trademarks for any purpose without prior review and approval by NAU’s Trademark and Licensing Manager.

A licensee is a company producing a product with NAU trademarks/logos who has been given permission to do so, via attainment of a license with IMG College Licensing (IMGCL) for Northern Arizona University.

NAU trademark licensing evaluates each product idea, and the office must grant approval of the completed product and designs before any merchandise can be produced for retail sale. This process ensures that every product bearing the marks of Northern Arizona University will be of a high quality, and protect all parties, including the university, from future liability.

Yes, in order for the university to maintain and protect its value, permission must be obtained from the University Trademark and Licensing Manger and a licensed vendor must be used.

Sales of any product related to the university are prohibited on campus with the exception of the NAU Bookstore.

Yes. If a product uses the university’s colors, facts or words that imply an association with the university, that product must be approved and the vendor selling the product must be licensed by the university.

These requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Permission must first be obtained before using any Northern Arizona University mark.

Officially licensed merchandise will include an “Officially Licensed Collegiate Product” label or hologram. This label assures you that the merchandise on which they are affixed has been approved for sale by the university and IMG College Licensing.

When necessary, NAU aggressively pursues infringement through legal channels, including, but not restricted to, letters of “cease and desist” and lawsuits. Suspected trademark infringement should be reported immediately to the University Trademark and Licensing Manager.  Please include photos when possible or the URL if the image has been used on the internet.

**Report inappropriate use or possible infringements here.**

IMG College Licensing (IMGCL) is the licensing representative/agent for NAU. As the university’s representative, IMGCL is responsible for administering the licensing program, including processing licensing applications, collection and distribution of royalty payments, enforcing trademarks, and pursuing new market opportunities for the university.