Copyrights and Trademarks

Attaching “University of Michigan” to a student organization event or publication is appropriate only when the event or publication is sponsored by a University unit via either a Sponsorship Agreement or an Event Sponsorship Agreement.  For more information see www.logos.umich.edu, contact SAL with any questions, or browse the FAQ.

Who May Use University Marks

Sponsored Student Organizations may be granted permission to use University trademarks through their sponsoring unit for official SSO business.
Voluntary Student Organizations may not use University trademarks. The only exception is  for an event covered by an Event Sponsorship Agreement. Under an ESA, a VSO may be granted permission to use University trademarks through their sponsoring unit only for official business relating to the event described in the ESA.
The preferred way to refer to the University of Michigan in abbreviated form is U-M, with a hyphen.

These marks require a written licensing agreement for any commercial use. The Trademark Licensing Office handles licensing of these marks. A written release from Intercollegiate Athletics is recommended, but not required.

Use of the University Seal

The primary purpose of the University Seal is to certify official University documents, including diplomas, certificates, and official acts by the Board of Regents, and to graphically symbolize official association with the University and its educational and research missions. It is therefore to be used sparingly and with strict adherence to the visual guidelines provided in the Graphics Toolkit. The Seal should not be modified, cut off, or combined with other forms. All final authority for the use of the University Seal resides in the Office of the Vice President and Secretary of the University of Michigan.
Students are prohibited from using the seal on their printed materials, including doctoral dissertations, or to signify student events.

Checklist of Usage Considerations

Before using the University name and images, it is important to consider whether the use would be supportive of the University’s missions and reputation, and reflect the University’s values.
As you consider specific situations, ask yourself whether the use of the University name and images would:

• Be consistent with and supportive of the University’s missions of research, education, and public service.
• Show respect for persons, particularly students, faculty, and staff as members of a community of higher learning.
• Reflect the University’s commitment to vigorous and open inquiry and discourse, and to the values of honesty, openness, academic freedom, and integrity.
• Recognize that an institution of higher education is a vital and essential component of a diverse, democratic society.
• Preserve the University’s reputation as a recognized international leader in academic pursuits, research, and service to society.
• Be in compliance with University policies and codes of conduct.
• Include truthful and open disclosure of sources of financial support for externally sponsored or funded University activities.
• Attain a fair financial return to the University for any commercial use of its name or marks.

The use of the University’s name and images must not:

• Be associated with activities or entities that bring its integrity or credibility into question. Careful consideration must be taken to protect and respect the University’s reputation and standing.
• Be used for personal gain.
• Be used in print or electronic form if it implies commercial or political endorsement of a product, service, project, or individual without prior written authorization of the University Name and Images Review Committee. Please see Advertising Guidelines for more information (www.logos.umich.edu).