Licensing

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As a national brand, the University of Oregon gives you a premier opportunity to get in on the $4 billion college licensing business. Oregon fans express their support with UO gear while providing the university a steady revenue source to help fund and enhance campus-wide programs.

Word marks, trademarks, logos, and/or symbols associated with the University of Oregon are the intellectual properties of the university and are registered both at the state and federal levels. To protect the intellectual properties and traditions of the university, Brand Management and Trademark Licensing requires all products associated with the university be manufactured by a licensed vendor.

UO licensed vendors have entered into a licensing agreement with Fanatics Licensing Management. Information on a licensing agreement is available at Fanatics Licensing Management. A fully executed trademark licensing agreement is required to sell product with the university’s trademarks or brand. Unauthorized use constitutes infringement, which can lead to legal action against the infringer.

Currently, we have licensing contracts with more than 200 manufacturers who benefit from the university’s strong regional appeal and broad base of ongoing local and nationwide alumni support. Contact Brad Hutchins if you have additional questions.

 

Brand Management and Trademark Licensing Guidelines

University Units

Merchandise Procurement – Due to contractual obligations to the university, all merchandise orders that include apparel, promotional products, and staff apparel must be reviewed by Brand Management and Trademark Licensing. If you are looking for guidelines on including the Oregon “O” on apparel, email uobrand@uoregon.edu for more information. It is imperative that a licensed vendor is used for production and manufacture of any product bearing the marks of the university. Internal licensee resources below provide a current list of vendors to view and/or print. Please contact a vendor to discuss custom items for events, conferences, and giveaways. Contacting more than one vendor can provide you with options of products, pricing, and turn-around time.

Designs are submitted to Brand Management and Trademark Licensing for review. Please plan for and allow a minimum of 10 business days from initial artwork submittal to official design approval. Once the design is approved, the company will be notified and production can begin. Please note that UO’s policies and procedures should be adhered to with all purchases as required with UO Purchasing and Contracting Services. If you cannot find a company to source your product or have questions, please contact Brad Hutchins


Student Organization/Club Sports/ESports

Use of the University of Oregon’s word marks, trademarks, logos, and/or symbols creates an association with the university that needs to be protected.  Officially recognized student organizations can request merchandise and apparel for an event. The student organization requestor must be a registered student of the University of Oregon. Word marks and graphics are available with apparel. The “O” mark is not allowed for use by any organization for marketing, advertisement, or identity purposes. Products are for organization members only. 

Officially recognized club sports and esports teams may use the Mascot Duck mark and Handel Gothic D font. The word “club” must be included for any sports also sponsored by the Athletics department. Requests for additional usage of marks are at the discretion of Brand Management and Trademark Licensing. University agreements will be adhered to when reviewing requests. 

It is imperative that a licensed vendor is used for production and manufacture of any product bearing the marks of the university.Internal licensee resources below provide a current list of vendors to view and/or print.

Designs are submitted to Brand Management and Trademark Licensing for review. Please plan for and allow a minimum of 10 business days from initial artwork submittal to official design approval. Once the design is approved, the company will be notified and production can begin. Please note that UO’s policies and procedures should be adhered to with all purchases as required with UO Purchasing and Contracting Services. If you cannot find a company to source your product or have questions, please contact Brad Hutchins.


Emerge-NIL Policy

The EMERGE program is a comprehensive education program designed to provide student-athletes with knowledge and tools that will assist them in optimizing opportunities related to the name, image and likeness (NIL) legislation. EMERGE will position student-athletes for personal and professional growth outside of the classroom and training and playing facilities through workshops, modules, and educational experiences in three core areas:

  • Personal Branding Strategies and Acceleration
  • Foundations of Business and Financial Literacy
  • Managing NIL Opportunities

The University of Oregon Athletics Department looks forward to continued partnerships with local businesses, donors, and corporate partners in navigating these new, exciting opportunities.

Emerge-NIL Policy


Unacceptable Products and Services

The University of Oregon will not approve the use of its name or marks to promote the following products:

  • Tobacco, controlled substances, sexually oriented products, alcohol, religious products, or games of chance.
  • Text or graphics that are judged to be sexually suggestive, denigrating language by any group including another college or university, items that infringe on the marks of other trademark owners on products or services, or endorsement of political candidates.
  • Products that do not meet minimum standards of quality and/or taste, are judged to be dangerous or carry high product liability risks.

Additionally, use of a current student athlete’s name or likeness on products is a violation of NCAA rules and can result in the student athlete being declared ineligible. Any use of a student-athlete’s name, nickname, or likeness must be approved by Brand Management and Trademark Licensing and the University of Oregon Athletics Department.


Infringement Reporting

If your intent is to imply a connection with the University of Oregon by using graphics or phrases confusingly similar to the university marks, you are likely to be infringing on our rights.

If you suspect a product is unlicensed, please complete the form below. Provide the website URL or company name and a photo of the product(s).

Infringement Form


Business Sponsorship

If your business would like to support the University of Oregon, a corporate partnership with the Ducks can be arranged with Oregon Sports Properties at:

Email Oregon Sports Properties


Frequently Asked Questions

Additional questions or concerns can be forwarded to Brad Hutchins in Brand Management and Trademark Licensing.

What is a trademark license?

A trademark license agreement is a contract granting permission to use wordmarks, trademarks, logos, and/or symbols associated with the University of Oregon.

What occurs if a business or sole proprietor does not obtain a trademark license agreement?

Wordmarks, trademarks, logos, and/or symbols associated with the University of Oregon are the intellectual properties of the university. Unauthorized use constitutes infringement, which can lead to legal action against the infringer.

What if I’m interested in becoming a UO licensee?

Any company producing products with the University of Oregon marks or logos must enter into a trademark licensing agreement with Fanatics Licensing Management. The first step is completing an application located at Fanatics Licensing Management. UO Brand Management and Trademark Licensing will review the application. You will receive an email after the review.

What are the requirements for usage of the “O”?

The University of Oregon’s primary mark is the “O”. The university has an exclusive license agreement granting exclusive use of the Oregon “O” on apparel to its athletic apparel and equipment supplier.

  1. Oregon licensees have access to the Oregon Logo Guide Sheet for available marks through Fanatics Licensing Management. 
     
  2. Internal University Units (organizations, clubs of currently enrolled students; academic departments; alumni association directors; and groups of active university employees) can use the “O” in connection with events (not for resale or fundraising). A UO licensed vendor must be contacted to produce apparel (no headwear) and hard goods.
     
  3. UO Club Sports Office can provide Brand Management and Trademark Licensing / Club Sports Guidelines.

How do I order campus staff apparel?

Campus staff must adhere to the UO Style Guide when purchasing items and must utilize an officially licensed internal licensee. 

How are designs and artwork approved?

An approved UO licensed vendor is familiar with the university marks and logos. To comply with their Fanatics Licensing Management agreement, they will submit the artwork through an online approval system for review. With approval response from Brand Management and Trademark Licensing, they will move forward with production. Please plan for and allow a minimum of 10 business days from initial artwork submittal to official design approval.