Toolkit: Branded Goods

Overview

At Utah State University, Branded Goods are any items, merchandise, appparel or equipment—that feature the University name, logos, wordmraks, or intellectual property.

Wheather these goods are for internal consumption (like staff uniforms and event giveaways) or retail sale (like Campus Store inventory and fundraisers), they must adhere to university branding standards.

University Policy 5100: Protecting the Aggie Brand

Our trademarks are more than just logos; they represent our history, our impact, and our reputation. USU Policy 5100 ensures the university maintains sole ownership and control of all university marks. By centralizing trademark management, we protect the Aggie brand and ensure it is represented with excellence across the globe.

To stay brand-compliant and protect the university’s interests, please keep these standards in mind:

  • Ownership and Control: USU retains ownership of all trademarks developed by employees in connection with their university roles.

  • Design Pre-Approval: All designs featuring university marks must be reviewed and approved by University Marketing & Communications, Licensing and Brand Activation before production begins.

  • Licensed Vendors: To guarantee quality and ethical sourcing, all branded goods—regardless of the funding source—must be produced by licensed vendors.

  • Authorized Usage: We all play a part in protecting the university’s reputation. To ensure your project meets our standards, submit your designs through the Branded Goods Artwork Review request in ServiceNow.

Internal Consumption: It Still Counts

A common misconception is that items intended for internal distribution (giveaways, uniforms, or department supplies) aren't "branded goods" because they aren't for sale. However, per university policy, any physical item bearing a university mark is classified as a branded good.

What Qualifies?

  • Apparel & Uniforms: Staff polos, student employee T-shirts, or lab coats.

  • Event Giveaways: Pens, stickers, water bottles, or tote bags.

  • Departmental Assets: Branded tablecloths, pop-up banners, and tents.

  • Awards & Recognition: Plaques, trophies, or gifts featuring university marks.

Why It Matters

  • Quality Control: Licensed vendors are vetted to ensure USU marks are reproduced accurately and consistently.

  • Liability & Ethics: Using licensed vendors ensures products are manufactured under fair labor conditions.

  • Brand Integrity: Every item, whether sold or gifted, represents the Utah State University brand to the public.

Key Guidelines for Branded Goods

  • Prioritize Originality: We encourage departments to develop unique content and designs that celebrate their specific mission within the university.

  • Respect Copyrights: Always practice proper attribution. Avoid using third-party materials without a clear "Fair Use" justification or explicit written permission.

  • Avoid Trademark Infringement: Do not use logos, slogans, or brand names belonging to other companies without written authorization.

  • Secure Written Permission: If using third-party content, you must provide written permission to the Director of Licensing and Brand Activation, Heidi Adams for documentation.

  • Coordinate Collaborations: Any use of USU marks involving endorsements, sponsorships, or co-branding must go through the university trademark review process.