Frequently Asked Questions on Use of the University Seal

a. We want to modify the University Seal for a campus event flyer to make it more appealing to students. May we change the blue and gold colors to red and hot pink on our flyer?

The Chancellor's office (or the Chancellor's designee) must consider the audience for the flyer in evaluating such a request. It may be appropriate to use the suggested color scheme for advertising an event restricted to the campus community, but if a wider audience is contemplated, the trademark may be diluted or diminished by printing in the suggested colors. Questions on the use of the Seal for this purpose or another purpose should be reviewed with designated contacts (see chart of campus contacts).

b. Briggs Software is giving us money to support a departmental scholarship. Can we put their logo on our publicity and programs, which will also feature the University Seal? How about on our department's home page on the Web?

The Chancellor is authorized to review and to make a determination as to whether an affiliation with the sponsoring company supports the teaching, research and service mission of the University. A print or website acknowledgment of the software company's contributions, including the company's logo, may be authorized by the Chancellor. Considerations may include i) existence of a formal acknowledgement by the campus of the receipt of the gift by the particular on-campus entity, and the particulars of the arrangement; ii) approval of a design that incorporates the Seal in a manner that protects the trademark integrity; iii) determination that the publication (printed or online) in no way constitutes advertising of the company's product.

c. Can Briggs Software use the University's Seal in corporate advertising, to publicize its gift?

The University does not permit use of trademarks, including the University Seal, in publications of the sponsor, although the sponsor can certainly include text that describes its contributions. However, a sponsor may not use the name or other University trademarks in a way that might be construed as an endorsement of its products or services. Any gift to the University should be memorialized by an agreement about the type of recognition that will accompany the gift.

d. May we display Briggs Software banners at an on-campus reception for the scholarship recipients?

Yes, the Chancellor may authorize display of the company's logos at the event.

e. The Ford Foundation is sponsoring a seminar on our campus. May we put the Foundation's logo alongside the Seal on campus advertising?

Yes, if the activity is co-sponsored by the campus. However, such "co-branding" is not appropriate if the off-campus organization is merely "renting" space from the University. Also, the campus should assure that the design of the advertising material uses the Seal in a manner that does not dilute the image.

f. I am a faculty member giving a presentation at a scientific conference sponsored by XYZ Pharmaceuticals. XYZ Pharmaceuticals wants to print the University Seal on a program along with the insignia of other universities that are sponsoring faculty presentations. Is this allowed?

Yes, if the Chancellor (or designee) ascertains that such use is in the best interests of the University. The purpose of the conference must align with the University's mission. The campus should make a determination that no individual or institutional financial conflict of interest is implied by the use of the name or Seal of the University in this context. The Chancellor or designee should also review the design of the program material with respect to placement of logos.

g. The Risk Management department has retained Smith Company as the third party administrator handling the University's general liability claims. Our department is partnering with them to conduct a two-day training workshop about claims handling, to be attended by campus representatives, attorneys and risk managers. Can we print the University Seal alongside the Smith Company logo on the cover of training booklets?

Since this is a University-sponsored training activity, the inclusion of both the Smith Company insignia and the University Seal on training materials would likely be appropriate but should be approved by a designated authority to make sure the presentation does not diminish the integrity of the University Seal.

h. Community River College is publishing an article in the college newspaper on the number of their transfer students accepted by the University of California. How can Community River College obtain approval to use the University Seal as a picture next to this article?

Such a use is probably consistent with the "fair use" provision of trademark law (see question and answer "l" below). When in doubt, the Community River College should contact the appropriate campus or systemwide administrator to obtain permission. Approval for use of the University Seal in this and like contexts is based on a determination that the use is in the best interests of the University of California. For example, the approver might review the content of the article with respect to any statements about the University.

i. Can we permit a company that is doing business with us (like a vendor) to use the University Seal in presentations they make to non-UC audiences?

No, this is a commercial purpose and is not permitted.

j. My department wants to place a faculty position advertisement in the Journal of Advanced Metallurgy. May we provide a .jpg file to the Journal so they can add the University Seal to the advertisement?

Yes. The Chancellor (or designee) has the authority to approve use of the Seal for this purpose, and should direct you to the appropriate artwork and any guidelines on how the Seal must be depicted.

k. We want to print the University Seal on a sweatshirt. Is this permitted under policy?

The University Seal may be imprinted on sweatshirts and other novelty items only with the explicit permission of the Chancellor. Products with implications for the University system as a whole may be imprinted with permission of the Senior Vice President, Business & Finance. Any arrangement with a vendor to produce trademarked goods must comply with the University Code of Conduct for Trademark Licensees.

l. A local television station wants to use the University Seal in the background of a news broadcast. Do they need prior permission?

News broadcasts, newspapers, and educational publications may use trademarks, such as the name, seal, campus images, and other logos, for educational or informational purposes under the "Fair Use" provision of trademark law.