The Duck is one of the most celebrated and followed college mascots of all time. Some might even say he’s the GOAT—but a duck. With that level of fame comes great responsibility.

The Oregon Duck isn’t just a fun character—the Duck is an ambassador for our university, representing our academics and athletics programs and the UO community. Exceptional care must be taken when using the Duck’s image and likeness. The following guidelines protect the integrity of the Duck and help avoid brand and style confusion. When in doubt, contact uobrand@uoregon.edu.   

Before using the Duck in your promotions, consider the following:

1. Strategic Alignment: Does using the Duck reinforce the campaign's core message and objectives? The Duck should not be a default choice but a purposeful one that enhances the message rather than just adding a fun visual. If the campaign is more serious, prestigious, or academically focused, consider alternative brand assets.
    
2. Audience Fit: Is the Duck the right visual for the target audience? The Duck is a powerful engagement tool, especially for prospective students, fans, and external audiences. However, for internal faculty communications or high-level donor messaging, using other brand elements may be more effective.
    
3. Exclusivity and Brand Integrity: Is the Duck being used too frequently in similar contexts? Overuse leads to brand dilution. If the Duck has been used in similar messaging recently, consider whether another visual—such as typography, secondary marks, or campus imagery—can achieve the same effect while keeping the Duck’s presence special.
    
4. Appropriateness of Tone: Does the Duck’s playful and energetic personality align with your messaging? The Duck is perfect for humor, excitement, and informal engagement. However, for more serious, informative, or institutional messaging, using the primary logo or an alternative brand element may be more appropriate.

If you determine that the Duck is the right fit for your message, ensure that the Duck’s image is used in an approved and high-quality format. The Duck cannot be associated with outside services, promoting anything political or religious, positioned in a way that diminishes his impact, nor can he be depicted using or in association with any of the unacceptable products and services listed in the UO trademark and licensing policy.

Photography

• You may apply filters to stylize the photo if the image is still recognizable as the Duck. Images of the Duck can be found in the Brand Library.
• Do not alter photographs of the Duck to depict actions, poses, apparel, or interactions not present in the original image. 
• Do not use generative AI or other tools to recreate, simulate, or approximate the Duck’s likeness.

If you are looking for an image that is not available in the Brand Library, please email uobrand@uoregon.edu to consider adding it to the list for future photos. 

Illustrations

• You may use images or create illustrations of generic ducks (i.e., rubber duck, mallard, etc.) that do not bear a reasonable resemblance to the Oregon Duck. This use of generic ducks only applies to university projects and is generally not allowed for external use or licensed retail products.
• You may use the mascot mark appropriately for your projects. 
• Do not alter the mascot mark in any way or combine it with other illustrations to recreate the Duck.  
• Do not illustrate, create caricatures, or cartoon versions of the Duck or create any ducks that could be interpreted to be or confused with the Duck.
• Do not illustrate isolated, recognizable parts of the Duck (ascot, shirt, sailor’s cap, eyes, feet, hands, etc.) 
• Do not use generative AI or other tools to recreate, simulate, or approximate the Duck’s likeness. 
• Do not use the Oregon Duck, or any original or custom duck artwork, in the development of logos, marks, or visual identities.
• Do not use images or illustrations of other licensed ducks or characters.

Using approved images or cutouts of the Oregon Duck can add school spirit and create an engaging environment, but special care must be taken to ensure consistency and alignment with other representations of the Duck. Generally, the following guidelines apply:

• Approved and licensed life-sized Duck cutouts can be purchased through The Duck Store or UO Print Services.
• The life-sized cutouts of the Duck should not be used in spaces or at events that are serious, ceremonial, or sacred in nature.
• Life-sized cutouts of the Duck are intended for temporary and movable applications only.
• Life-sized images of the Duck should not be incorporated into permanent installations, including wallpaper, wall decals, murals, or other fixed displays. Permanent is defined as being up for 30 days or more. For permanent applications, use the approved mascot mark instead.

Puddles and Puns

The Duck’s name is “The Duck.” Do not refer to the Duck as “Puddles.” Puddles was the first mascot—a live duck introduced in the 1920s. Reference the editorial style guide for more information.

Reference our brand voice for guidance on how to use “Duck” language to strengthen meaning without the risk of sounding gimmicky. “Duck” should never be used as a substitute for expletives.

Several university marks use the Duck’s likeness. For information on those logos, please visit our Trademarks page.