Logos and Wordmarks Terminology
University Logos
These logos are comprised of the U State logo and the Utah State University wordmark. There are horizontal and vertical options. These logos are to be used by university-wide administrative offices for university-wide events.
University Wordmarks
The wordmarks are comprised of the words “Utah State University” in a stylized font. Standard fonts will not accurately reproduce the typography. These marks are to be used by university-wide administrative offices for university-wide events.
College, Adminstrative, & Statewide Logos
Each college, administrative unit, and statewide location has been issued an official logo. The official logos are comprised of the U State logo and the Utah State University wordmark, paired with the respective college, administrative unit, and/or statewide location. These marks must be included on all formal university materials and should be used on departmental merchandise and promotional items.
College, Adminstrative, & Statewide Wordmarks
Each college, administrative unit and statewide location has been issued a series of wordmarks. The wordmarks are comprised of the university wordmark, paired with the respective college, administrative unit, and/or the statewide location. These marks come in right, left, and center justifications. If a college administrative, and statewide logo is not used, one of the wordmarks must be included on all formal university materials and should be used on departmental merchandise and promotional items.
Consolidated Mark Treatment
This treatment should be used when multiple colleges, administrative units, and/or statewide locations are collaborating on an event or formal university materials.
Consolidated marks are not official marks and can be laid out by university parties outside of University Marketing & Communications, Trademark Licensing.
These marks are comprised of one of the university logos or wordmarks with multiple colleges, administrative units, and/or statewide treatments typed out below the mark. The proper area of isolation must be present around the university logo or wordmark and the Univers, Trajan, and Utah State Bold fonts cannot be used to type out the collaborating units. Please see alternative typefaces for font recommendations.
Spirit Marks
Spirit marks recognize Utah State University’s rich traditions and can be used on a wide variety of materials to communicate and express school spirit. They include U State standalone mark, the Block A mark, the Old Main tower, Big Blue, Baby Blue, and Aggie Hand Signs.
If placing text below or to the side of the spirit marks, please refer to the area of isolation guidelines on the logo application page.
Presidential Seal
This is a restricted mark. Restricted marks are for use by special permission only. They are not available for download and should not be used unless you have written permission from University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing.
College Seals
Each college has a seal, that is to be used for formal occasions and in academic settings, such as awards, certificates, and commencement.
Merchandise Marks
These marks are only allowed to be used on informal merchandise or promotional goods.
Application of Logos and Trademarks Terminology
Area of Isolation
A minimum unobstructed area, known as the area of isolation, must surround the logo on all sides to separate it from any other visual elements or text. This space gives the logo prominence and makes it easier to see. The area of isolation must remain empty, free of text, slogans, and other visual elements. This includes logos, copy, taglines, graphics, illustrations, etc.
Paired With or in Close Proximity
Refers to the practice of keeping official university marks away from conflicting graphics, text, other logos, etc. The area of isolation must always be adhered to avoid the illusion of/creation of a new logo.
Imprint Area
This refers to the print area where a design or logo will be applied to your apparel, merchandise or promotional items.
Outside Entity Marks
The use of an outside entities logo or trademark is controlled by that party's terms of use. Written permission must be granted by the outside entity to use their “marks.” Unless the published terms of use or a contract between the university and an outside entity permits the use of marks, you cannot use an outside entities logo.
University Mark use by Outside Entities
The use the university logo or trademarks is controlled by that University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing. Written permission must be granted by the Trademark Licensing office for use of university marks.
Signage
Signage includes banners, window graphics, vinyl clings, yard signs, and all other forms of temporary signs. All signage must adhere to brand and sign standards.
File Formats
EPS - Vector Image (shape based)
For use with professional design programs such as Adobe Indesign or Illustrator.
PNG - Raster Image (pixel based)
Often have a transparent background for placing over images. Most often used for web applications, presentations, and other digital materials. May also be used for print when using common software such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Keynote, and Canva.
Commonly Used Terms
Formal University Materials
These materials include but are not limited to: brochures, flyers, posters, postcards, stationery goods, presentations, tablecloths, signage (digital, yard signs, a-frames, TSC wire banners) etc.
Swag Goods
These materials include but are not limited to: apparel, mugs, stickers, bags, pens, water-bottles, notebooks, blankets, lanyards, flags/pennants, license plate frames, etc.
Swag Design
These can be created for use on promotional and merchandise goods. Swag designs are allowed for swag or merchandise goods only. These designs are not official and cannot be used on formal university materials. Swag and promotional goods are required to have an official university identifier present.
Official University Identifier
Official logos, the stand-alone U State spirit mark, and official wordmarks.
Social Media Avatar
On social media, the term “avatar” also refers to your profile picture — the image that represents you on the platform. Social media avatars are standard across the university system.
Partnership
Is an arrangement wherein parties, known as business partners, agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests. The partners may be individuals, businesses, interest-based organizations, schools, governments, or combinations. University partnerships may only be governed by a contract.
In Collaboration with
Refers to the action of working with someone to produce or create something.
Official Logo
These are the logos that University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing have created. All official logos are in the University Logo Library.
Formal University Materials
These are materials that are created to promote, educate, and market, university programs, colleges., departments, and divisions. Formal university materials exclude branded goods.
Design Elements
Are composed of text/type used in proximity or paired with an icon/design. Design elements present as a logo and therefore are no longer allowed as part of the 2021 logo optimization process.
Type Treatments
Are the names of departments, programs, and or divisions in a specific font/layout that is consistently used to create recognition for these groups. Type treatments must be coordinated with University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing prior to creation and incorporation to ensure the proposed use will fall within university parameters.
Licensed Vendor
Are companies that have completed the required licensing process to provide branded goods to university departments, colleges, programs, and divisions. They are required to follow the university brand standards.
Retail Licensed Vendor
Are companies that have completed the required licensing process to provide branded goods to university departments, colleges, programs, and divisions. They are required to follow the university brand standards. The difference between a licensed vendor and a retail licensed vendor is that the retail licensed vendor must be used when items are re-sold, even for internal purposes. They are the only licensees that can report sales and royalties for university departments, colleges, programs, divisions, student organizations, and clubs.
Internal Consumption
Products that are produced for internal departments, colleges, programs, divisions, student organizations, and clubs. These items will be used to give away as promotional goods or used as uniforms or gifts.