Maryland Brand

Trademark and Licensing

Maintaining the integrity of the University of Maryland’s marks, names, logos and symbols is essential to protecting its brand and reputation. Trademarks and Licensing, based in the Office of Marketing and Communications, works to manage, protect and promote the use of these assets by ensuring that they are used properly.

Trademark and Licensing is responsible for the use of the University of Maryland’s marks, logos, names, brands, and symbols on products and services; licensing agreements, sponsorships; and enforcement of the brand.

Prior written permission is needed from Trademark and Licensing for use of the university name or marks. This applies to student groups and organizations, alumni network that wish to make use of the University name in conjunction with their group or activities, or those groups desiring use of the university’s marks. See section below on Guidelines for Use of University Marks for more information and exemptions. Trademarks and Licensing practices are established to protect the value of the University of Maryland brand and reputation.

Contact Information

Vendor Information

Becoming a Licensed Vendor

All products bearing University of Maryland (UMD) marks or that are affiliated with the University of Maryland must be produced by a University of Maryland-licensed vendor.

Companies or individuals interested in creating a product bearing any of the University of Maryland’s marks must obtain a license through the IMG Collegiate Licensing (IMGCL), the licensing agent for Maryland (www.clc.com). Trademarks and Licensing makes all final decisions on licensing requests and artwork approvals.

Royalties

The University will charge a twelve percent (12%) royalty on all University-branded and department, student organization or event-branded items that are purchased and distributed by campus units, student organizations and University-affiliated entities whether or not the items are sold, given away for free or used for fundraising purposes price of the item is included in an event registration or similar fee.

All items bearing a sponsor’s logo are royalty bearing. The University will charge a seventeen percent (17%) royalty rate on all University-branded and department, student organization or event-branded items that also include a sponsor name or logo.

Campus units, student organizations and University-affiliated entities may seek an exemption from the royalty payment only by submitting a Royalty Waiver Form that is approved by Trademarks and Licensing. University-branded items that may be considered for exemption include those produced only for internal department use (i.e. department-branded apparel or awards) or items that include a University, department, student organization or event logo and are given away in connection with a specific University, department or student organization-sponsored programs or event. Official UMD athletic uniforms and gear are exempt from royalties.

Information for Campus Groups

Finding a Licensed Vendor

Royalties

Campus units, student organizations and University-affiliated entities may seek an exemption from the royalty payment only by submitting a Royalty Waiver Form that is approved by Trademarks and Licensing. University-branded items that may be considered for exemption include those produced only for internal department use (i.e. department-branded apparel or awards) or items that include a University, department, student organization or event logo and are given away in connection with a specific University, department or student organization-sponsored programs or event. Official UMD athletic uniforms and gear are exempt from royalties.

Items that are royalty bearing are items that do not bear a university department logo or event specific logo. Any items that is being sold or is being used for fundraising purposed. Or any items that bears a sponsors logos (sponsored items are subject to a 17% royalty).

How to order branded products for your department:

  1. Choose a Licensed Vendor. For more information view the links in the above section 'Finding a Licensed Vendor.'
  2. Develop Your Design. Work with a licensed vendor to create the design for you merchandise. View our Merchandise Guidelines Page.
  3. Get your Design Approved. Your licensed vendor should submit the artwork to Trademarks and Licensing for approval. If needed, the Trademarks and Licensing team will communicate to the licensed vendor any changes that need to be made to artwork.
  4. Submit a Royalty Waiver Form. If you are looking to get royalties waived on you order, you or the licensed vendor will need to submit a Royalty Waiver Form to Trademarks and Licensing for approval. * Please see above section on royalties

Social Responsibility

The University of Maryland is committed to managing its licensing program in a socially responsible manner and is taking steps to help ensure that its licensed merchandise is not produced by companies exploiting workers or using abusive labor practices. The University of Maryland is a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Works Rights Consortium. All licensed vendors are obligated to abide by the university’s code of conduct and are required to be FLA members.

Guidelines for Use of University Marks

A trademark or service mark is a name, design, seal, insignia, or other symbol that an entity uses to identify and distinguish itself and its goods and services from those of another entity, or to indicate to the public its authorization, sponsorship, or affiliation with the provider of goods or services.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Royalties and fees paid by commercial users are shared between the University and the Athletic Department for research, internships, scholarships, equipment, and special projects. In the case of the mark "Fear The Turtle", approximately 20% of the royalties are dedicated to efforts to preserve the diamondback terrapin and its habitat.