University Trademark Use Guidelines

The University of Montana is committed to protecting the use of its name, department names, monikers, logos and visual marks or any likenesses, including but not limited to advertising, stationery, websites, social media, cobranding, facilities, promotional and commercial merchandise. Any use of University name, image, likeness or confusingly similar identifying brand elements that could cause likelihood of confusion of an existing University relationship, including but not limited to words, symbols, marks, visual identifiers, not approved by the University is unlawful and subject to legal course of action.

University of Montana trademarks, branding elements and identifying markers can include but are not limited to:

  • Words (for example but not limited to University of Montana, UM, Montana Grizzlies, Griz, Montana)
  • Logos (for example but not limited to, Griz script, Montana Grizzlies with Charging Bear, Paw, interlocking UM, and vintage marks such as Slobbering Bear)
  • Colors (for example, maroon and silver, copper and gold)
  • Imagery (for example, campus/facility photography or videography including campus and stadium imagery, roster headshots, photos in uniforms, etc.)

The University does not permit brand association or co-branding opportunities to external entities without a contractual relationship or explicit written approval from the Office of Marketing and Communications. Co-branding with the University trademarks or use of identifying markers will be considered on a case-by-case basis with respect to current contractual relationships, such as but not limited to Multi-Media Rights and Licensing, and in accordance with University policies.

Guidelines for University Trademark-use requests

The following guidelines will be considered when requesting use of University Trademark including but not limited to trademarks, branding elements or identifying markers. These guidelines are subject to change.

  • Use rights will need to be secured through an agreement granting specified promotional or licensed rights.
  • A fee will be assessed for each use of any University trademarks, logos, indicia or branding elements.
  • Any usage of University logos, verbiage, or brand elements requires prior review and approval from the licensing staff in the Office of Marketing and Communications. The University has sole discretion over its branding identifiers and does not guarantee use of University marks by any entity.
  • University marks cannot be altered or modified in any manner (including, but not limited to adding elements to official logos or covering parts of logos with other elements, color changes, stretching or skewing, flipping, separating into parts or altering any part of any university logo).
  • The appropriate TM (trademark) or ® (federally registered) indicator must appear next to the logo or wordmark.
  • Requests for University trademark use may not include any of the following:
    • Tobacco-related products
    • Alcohol (unless otherwise approved by the president)
    • Illegal substances/activities
    • Recreational Marijuana
    • Vendors association with athletic performance enhancing drugs
    • Gambling including sports wagering
  • The University reserves the right to adjust guidelines based on any guidance provided by federal legislation, Montana law, the Montana Governor, the Montana Board of Regents, the NCAA or University Administration.

Officially Licensed Product: Only officially licensed vendors of the University may reproduce items bearing the University’s trademarks and indicia. Select a Licensed Vendor. The Collegiate Licensing Company, CLC, helps to administer the University’s licensing program. Learn more about the license application process.

Grizzly Athletics Multi-Media Rights: For Multi-Media Rights opportunities with Grizzly Athletics, please contact Grizzly Sports Properties.

Name, Image and Likeness

Per University of Montana Grizzly Athletics Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) policy, and in accordance with state statutes and Association legislation, student-athletes may profit from the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). University trademark-use in connection with student-athlete NIL will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. Anyone seeking information about NIL should contact the Grizzly Athletics compliance office.

These guidelines are subject to change.

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