Trademark & Licensing
August 7, 2024
Trademark Licensing
The University's growth and prominence have led to a surge in demand for products featuring its name, trademarks, and logos, necessitating strict control over their usage through trademark licensing.
Northwestern has safeguarded its name and marks by registering them with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, ensuring ownership at the institutional level rather than by individual departments or groups.
Who can reproduce NU’s name and marks?
Only licensed manufacturers are permitted to reproduce NU's registered marks, requiring adherence to licensing agreements, design approval processes, and payment of royalties.
May I have a product imprinted with NU’s name or marks?
Any University department, student organization, fraternity, sorority, residence, club or association that plans to order T-shirts, caps, etc., with a design that includes the name of the University or any of its identifying marks MUST order from an NU Preferred Licensed Vendor. All designs which incorporate Northwestern name and marks are subject to approval by the Trademark Licensing Office to maintain quality and brand integrity.
How do I know if the University has approved the item I purchased?
Merchandise produced by licensed manufacturers bears a sticker on the hangtag, which indicates that the item is a Collegiate Licensed Product. The Collegiate Licensed Products label guarantees that the product you buy has been approved by the University and that a royalty generated by the sale of the item will be returned to the University.
To ensure authenticity and compliance with fair labor standards, merchandise bearing NU's marks must display a Collegiate Licensed Product label, indicating approval by the University and adherence to ethical manufacturing practices. Do not purchase the item if the garment label has been cut or if a circle ® is not noted with the name and marks of the University.
Northwestern in recent years has begun to seek assurance that products bearing our marks, name and logos are produced under fair and proper working conditions. With the assistance of the Fair Labor Association and the Workers Right Consortium (FLA & WRC), we require NU licensees to comply with our Code of Conduct.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Ellen Barnes, Trademark Licensing Manager, at 847-491-3274, or e-barnes@northwesten.edu. You may also visit the Trademark Licensing Policy web page for more information.