Trademark Licensing Policy
- Responsible Oversight Executive:ÌýVice President for 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Advancement
- Date of Current Revision or Creation: July 18, 2016
- Download Policy PDF
The purpose of this policy is to provide information and guidelines to the Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ community regarding the use of Old Dominion's trademarks in reference to both internal promotional merchandise and resalable merchandise in the retail market in order to protect the integrity of the institution's trademarks and to ensure such trademarks are used in an appropriate manner.
, grants authority to the Board of Visitors to make rules and policies concerning the institution. Section 6.01(a)(6) of theÌýBoard of Visitors BylawsÌýgrants authority to the President to implement the policies and procedures of the Board relating to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ operations.
Internal Promotional MerchandiseÌý- Any merchandise that is purchased by 91¶ÌÊÓƵ departments, organizations and offices for promotional purposes.
³¢¾±³¦±ð²Ô²õ±ðÌý- A legal permission to do something otherwise unauthorized.
³¢¾±³¦±ð²Ô²õ±ð±ðÌý- A person or business to whom a license is given.
²Ñ²¹²Ô³Ü´Ú²¹³¦³Ù³Ü°ù±ð°ù²õÌý- Any person, group or business that has the means to physically produce an ODU trademark(s) on merchandise. Examples include, but are not limited to, a t-shirt screen printer and embroidery service.
²Ñ±ð°ù³¦³ó²¹²Ô»å¾±²õ±ðÌý- Any product, including but not limited to, apparel, headwear, footwear, housewares and office supplies that bear the trademarks of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, whether or not for resale.
Sponsorship AgreementÌý- An agreement that governs the legal relationship between a sponsor and Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ which outlines the scope of the licensing agreement as to use of the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks and the benefits and obligations required.
°Õ°ù²¹»å±ð³¾²¹°ù°ìÌý- A word, logo, or a combination used by an organization, business, group, etc. to identify its goods and/or services and distinguish them from others.
This policy applies to all employees, students, volunteers, employees of affiliated organizations who are paid through the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and vendors of the institution. Employees include all staff, administrators, faculty, full- or part-time, and classified or non-classified persons who are paid by the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. Students include all persons admitted to the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ who have not completed a program of study for which they were enrolled; student status continues whether or not the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's programs are in session. Affiliated organizations are separate entities that exist for the benefit of the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and include Foundations, the Community Development Corporation, and the Alumni Association.
Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ protects the symbols that are associated with its name and its reputation. Old Dominion owns and controls its name(s) and other marks, logos, insignias, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Seal, designs and symbols that have become associated with the institution. Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's Trademark Licensing Program is administered by Old Dominion's Licensing Office and overseen by the Director of Licensing.
All products bearing Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks must be purchased only from Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ licensees. To ensure consistency in the use of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks and to ensure compliance with a wide range of requirements associated with the manufacture and use of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks, products bearing Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks may be purchased only from companies that are officially licensed by Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ to manufacture or distribute products bearing its trademarks.
To comply with and ensure protection under Federal, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, and international trademark laws, Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is required to monitor and control all uses of its trademarks. Unauthorized use of Old Dominion trademarks are subject to civil and criminal penalties. Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ reserves the right to take appropriate action when confronted with unauthorized use of its trademarks. Such actions may include confiscation of the goods, financial penalties, and legal action. Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ has registered its names, word marks and logos with theÌý.
Vendors conducting business for internal and commercial use of the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's name or marks are required to have either a formal contract with the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ or a license through theÌý. Orders for 91¶ÌÊÓƵ departmental use must also work through the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ'sÌý. Once approved, the business or individual requesting permission becomes a "Licensee" and the products (or services) become "Licensed Products" (or "Licensed Services"). There are three different license categories:
- Internal Campus Supplier (ICS) License (also referred to as a Restricted License) - allows a company to produce merchandise bearing trademarks for Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ departments and registered student organizations for internal consumption only.
- Local License - is intended for companies that desire to obtain a license with an institution located in their immediate in-state marketplace. This license type may better suit companies that do not believe they can qualify for a Standard License but believe they can demonstrate sales success for in-state institutions.
- Standard License - is intended for companies that are capable of extensive production and retail distribution of their merchandise and/or are introducing a unique and commercially viable product to the collegiate market. The Standard License carries ODU's standard royalty fee.
The Athletic Department may designate an outside party as an official or exclusive provider to Monarch Athletics; however, any such designation must be limited to referencing the Athletic Department or athletic programs and may not extend to the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
Promotional items that bear the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's name or trademarks that are given away to supporters of the institution are required to be purchased from a licensed vendor and may require royalties to be paid by the manufacturers.
The 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Seal is reserved for special signage, official documents from the Office of the President, official 91¶ÌÊÓƵ events, and specific retail items. Use of the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Seal on all merchandise must be approved by the President upon recommendation by the Director of Licensing.
All merchandise bearing Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks sold through 91¶ÌÊÓƵ organizations must be purchased from licensed manufacturers and such items are not exempt from royalties should the products be resold.
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Requests for use of the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's logo must be made in writing to the Director of Licensing atÌýlicensing@odu.edu. The request must include the following information:
The review and approval process may take up to two weeks. The decision will be communicated to the requester via email.
The current library of approved trademarked ODU logos is available on theÌý. TheÌýÌýincludes the institutional brand standards for the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and athletic logos and promotional and retail instructions.
Covered Uses of 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Trademarks
Student Organizations
Sport Clubs
Contracts for External Groups, Businesses or Organizations
ODU trademarks may only be used by a private group or business through a contract with the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. All third-party contracts need to be approved by 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Counsel in conjunction with the ODU Director of Licensing. Such contracts or agreements will offer the non-exclusive use of the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's name and/or the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks in compliance with 91¶ÌÊÓƵ brand standards in the promotion of endorsed business and activities. The 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is the owner of its names and trademarks and authorized external groups may not delegate the authority to use these to any individual or entity without prior written approval of 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Counsel in consultation with the Director of Licensing and the Office of Strategic Communication and Marketing.
A promotion or sponsorship agreement with the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ must not and does not convey endorsement from the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ of the company's products or services. These agreements with external groups, businesses or organizations must not include language that implies preferred status or official relationships with the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
Student Athletes
Use of the names, numbers, and/or images of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ student athletes is not permitted on non-ODU affiliated websites. The use of a photograph or likeness of an ODU student athlete is prohibited by the NCAA on any commercial items or non-ODU websites, social media, etc. Questions should be directed to the Director of Licensing, who will consult with Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics.
- department/organization
- requestor's name, e-mail address and telephone number
- description and quantity of the products(s) to be ordered
- the date the product is needed
- the name of the proposed vendor
- artwork, including all names/logos to appear on the product
- description and dates of the purpose/event for which the product is being ordered
- whether the product is being sold or given away
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All 91¶ÌÊÓƵ products and services bearing registered trademarks and insignias are covered by theÌý. Items bearing the name "Old Dominion," "ODU," "Monarchs," or other trademarks are covered by theÌýÌýif it can be determined the primary reason or effect of the use of the name is to cause purchasers to associate the product or service with Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
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Photographs and artworks bearing the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks or other reference to the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ are covered by theÌý. This includes reproductions and mass-produced artworks with reference to the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
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Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks may not be used in conjunction with the name or trademark(s) of any other entity or individual without the prior written permission of that entity and the Director of Licensing. Approval of any such dual use of the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks will be limited to instances of compelling institutional interest for allowing such a use. Similarly, Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks may not be used in any manner that suggests or implies the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's endorsement of other organizations, companies, products, services, political parties or views, or religious organizations and beliefs without prior written permission from the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's President.
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Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks may not be used in any way that discriminates or implies discrimination against any persons or groups based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, disability, or any other status protected by law, or in any other way that would be a violation ofÌýÌýor practices.
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No entity other than Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ may claim copyright or trademark rights or seek to register any design that incorporates the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks.
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All uses of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ trademarks on products should incorporate the appropriate trademark designation symbols (i.e., ® or â„¢). No changes, deletions, or alterations to the trademarks are allowed.
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The 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's Director of Licensing may not approve the use of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks for products or designs that present an unacceptable risk of liability or could be harmful to the mission or image of the institution. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Firearms, other weapons, or any products that could be used to injure or kill
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Alcohol-related products
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Tobacco-related products
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Illegal drug-related products
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Sexually suggestive products or language
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Gambling-related products
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91¶ÌÊÓƵments impugning other universities
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Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ departments and units are permitted to use the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks for official 91¶ÌÊÓƵ business purposes on internal consumption items after approval from the Director of Licensing. All such uses must be in accordance with this and any other applicable 91¶ÌÊÓƵ policies or guidelines, including, but not limited to,Ìýthose regarding brand identity.
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Use of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's name or trademarks with a student organization's name implies association with the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. Therefore, only those student organizations that are officially registered with the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement are allowed to use the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks.
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Student organizations may not use the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's trademarks in the domain name of any non-university hosted website or web page other than to identify that the organization is located at Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ (for example: ) without obtaining the written permission from the Director of Licensing.
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Officially registered student organizations may order merchandise through a licensed vendor displaying both the organization's name/logo and 91¶ÌÊÓƵ trademarks for promotions or fundraising activities. The preferred use of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ verbiage in conjunction with the student organizations is "at Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ." All merchandise must be purchased from licensed vendors and receive approval from the Director of Licensing prior to placing an order.
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Registered student organizations may include a sponsor name/logo in addition to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ trademarks on products that are directly utilized in club activities under the following guidelines:
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The student organization's name/logo must be the primary logo and displayed in a manner that will communicate that the relationship exists between the organization and the sponsor and not with the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
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The student organization may not use the trademarks in a manner that in any way would constitute an endorsement or approval of the sponsor or its products, activities, or services by the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
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Sports club teams that do not compete in NCAA-recognized sports are permitted to use the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's name or trademarks on their competition uniforms and must use the club's name with the advance approval of the Assistant Director of Club Sports and the Director of Licensing (examples: Bass Fishing Club, Fencing Club).
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Sports club teams that compete in sports recognized by the NCAA (including those sports for which the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ does not field a team) are required to include the club's name on the uniforms, equipment, and any related apparel or product (examples: Swimming Club, Club Lacrosse).
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All trademarked merchandise used for promotional or fundraising events must be purchased from a licensed vendor.
Ìý
Contracts should be retained for the life of the contract plus five additional years, then destroyed in compliance with theÌý.
Director of Licensing
Revisions & Review
Previous Revisions: December 1, 1988; November 5, 2008; July 18, 2016
Scheduled Review Date: July 18, 2021
Policy Formulation Committee (PFC) & Responsible Officer Approval to Proceed:
/s/ÌýJames A. Clanton
Responsible Officer
July 7, 2016
Date
Policy Review Committee (PRC) Approval to Proceed:
/s/ÌýDonna W. Meeks
Chair, Policy Review Committee (PRC)
March 22, 2016
Date
Executive Policy Review Committee (EPRC) Approval to Proceed:
/s/ÌýAlonzo Brandon
Responsible Oversight Executive
July 14, 2016
Date
91¶ÌÊÓƵ Counsel Approval to Proceed:
/s/ÌýR. Earl Nance
91¶ÌÊÓƵ Counsel
July 18, 2016
Date
Presidential Approval:
/s/ÌýJohn R. Broderick
President
July 18, 2016
Date