Trademark Management and Licensing Office

In 1996, the University of Georgia (UGA) created its trademark management and licensing program to establish a framework for promoting and protecting the use of its trademarks. Over the years, the traditions and spirit shared by the UGA family have increased the demand for association with products that feature the University’s trademarks. The use of UGA’s trademarks extends through all facets of the University. Therefore, it has been the practice that the UGA Division of Development and Alumni Relations, Office of Financial Services (and Public Affairs, in conjunction with the Office of Legal Affairs, the UGA Athletic Association and the UGA Division of Finance and Administration, maintain a university-wide perspective. As such, this function is under the direction of the Office of the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. The University has contracted with Fermata Partners, one of the nation’s leading collegiate licensing and marketing firms, to enhance the University’s efforts in this area.

The mission of the Trademark Management and Licensing program is three-fold:

• To ensure proper use and application of the trademarks associated with the University of Georgia.
• To strengthen the trademarks through relationships with retailers, licensees, campus departments, student organizations, alumni and fans.
• To generate revenue to enhance private funding for academic support.

What is a trademark?

A trademark (or mark) is any logo, symbol, nickname, letter(s), work(s), word(s), slogan, or derivative that can be associated with an organization, company, manufacturer, or institution and can be distinguished from those of other entities or competitors.

In addition to the marks listed above, any indicia adopted hereafter and used or approved for use by the University of Georgia shall be subject to the policies and procedures of the trademark licensing program. Additionally, the trademark licensing program shall also cover any derivations of UGA marks which would cause consumers to erroneously believe that the product originated from, or was sponsored/authorized by, the University.

Who Needs a License?

Licenses must be obtained for the use of any UGA trademark, image, or photograph used for any product sold to the general public or to campus departments and organizations. In addition, companies or organizations wanting to associate with the University through any use of its trademarks must obtain promotional licenses.

Outlines below are the policies and procedures for the use of the University of Georgia’s marks related to the following areas:

• Traditional Retail Channels;
• Campus Departments (i.e., academic departments, athletics, student organizations, University units, etc.);
• Internal Affiliated Organizations (i.e., Foundation, Alumni Association); and,
• External/Non-UGA (i.e. alumni clubs, booster clubs, commercial use).

Last Updated on June 24, 2019