Trademark Licensing: Western Illinois University

WIU Trademark Licensing

Student Organization Guidelines

Eligible groups

The marks and logos of Western Illinois University are registered trademarks and as such should only be utilized in conjunction with the official business of the University. In this light, a student organization must be in good standing and officially "Registered" with the Office of Student Activities to benefit from use of the official marks and logos.

Use of Licensed Manufacturer

All products which utilize the word marks and/or logos of Western Illinois University must be produced by a licensed manufacturer, unless a written exception is granted in advance by the Trademark Licensing Administrator. Western Illinois University has retained the collegiate trademark management firm Licensing Resource Group (LRG) of Holland, Michigan for management and administration of license agreements.

Process for Approval and Monitoring

3 Students All uses of trademarked logos and word marks must be approved. To obtain approval, submit a completed "Request for Use of Logos and Word Marks" (PDF) to the Trademark Licensing Administrator.

It is recommended that this form be submitted one month in advance of production deadline.

Royalty Exemptions

Some items which are purchased for internal use by the University are exempt from royalties. Additional exceptions may be made under certain circumstances based on information submitted in the "Request for Use of Trademark and Logos." (PDF)

Design Standards

The Trademark Licensing Administrator must approve all artwork and designs prior to production. The following standards will be used in approval of designs:

Artwork is approved on a case-by-case basis.
Products must display clearly identifiable "licensed marks." No hand-drawn or substitute logos will be allowed.
Trademarked logos can not be altered in any way.
Word marks and logos cannot be used with the marks of any other profit or non-profit entity (i.e. schools, conferences, institutions, individuals, corporations, etc.) unless appropriate approvals are obtained from the owners of those trademarks or copyrights.
No design can be associated with a company which would imply endorsement of the company's product or service.
Use of the University signature logo must adhere to Visual Identity Standards guidelines.
When used in conjunction with departmental, college, or affiliated University agency logos, trademarked logos and word marks must be most prominent.
Use of the University seal is restricted for use on official documents and selected executive gift products (i.e. President's stationery, name plates, letter openers, paper weights, awards, diploma frames, and items crafted of gold, silver, brass, or pewter) unless a written exception is granted by the Trademark Licensing Administrator. The seal may be used alone or with the words "Western Illinois University." No other symbols or designs may appear with or around the seal.
The correct pantone colors must be used in all color designs. They are:
PMS 2607 (purple) PMS 116 (yellow)
Additional color considerations
In order to maintain the integrity and consistency of the Rocky full-body image, allowable variations to the logo are restricted to include (1) changes involving specific NCAA intercollegiate varsity sports in which Western Illinois University participates or (2) modifications which reflect the mission and values of Western Illinois University. Such alterations will be considered on a case-by-case basis and prior approval is required by the Trademark Licensing Administrator. In addition, acceptable modifications must be created by either University Relations or Athletics Media Services.

Product Standards

The Trademark Licensing Administrator will consider products for approval based on the following:

Products must be representative of high quality and good taste incorporating no subtle messages.
No products considered dangerous or offensive will be approved. This includes products posing potential health risks or promoting drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
No products with an unusually high product liability risk will be approved.

Non-product Standards

Use of logos and word marks in printed publications must be coordinated with either University Relations or Document and Publication Services.
Use of logos and word marks in on-campus flyers and public announcements should follow the design guidelines as set forth in this policy. Trademark licensing approval is not necessary; however, approval must be obtained from the building or venue in which the flyers will be posted.
Use of logos, word marks, or pictures in unauthorized advertising which portrays the University as an endorser of any product or service is prohibited. This includes advertising using names and pictures of athletes in uniform and the Rocky mascot.
A student may not use the University word marks or logos or their affiliation with the University in any manner which suggests or implies support or endorsement of any product, movement, activity, or program not related to the University. In circumstances where there is a potential indication of University endorsement, a disclaimer is required.
On-campus events which require creative expression (i.e. homecoming floats and "Paint-the-Town") are granted use of logos and word marks based on the following criteria for temporary artistic license:
- The results of the creative venture must not have a life of more than 21 calendar days.
- The artistic interpretation must be representative of high quality and good taste incorporating no subtle messages, or props which could be considered dangerous or offensive.

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