- UARSC Home
- About Us
- Our Staff
- Valuable Campus Partnerships
- Office of Sponsored Projects
- Cougar Shops
- Accounting & Business Operations
- Human Resources & Payroll Services
- Licensing & Trademarks
- POLICIES
- FORMS
- Employment Opportunities
- Board of Directors
- Reporting Transparency
- Commonly Needed Information
- Recently Asked Questions
- Contact Us
Licensing and Trademarks
Using a CSUSM logo or word mark on a custom product
Many CSUSM alumni, fans, supporters, student and faculty groups and organizations wish to have custom quality products imprinted with official logos and word marks. A program has been established to protect and promote CSUSM trademarks in a positive and accountable manner. UARSC has been designated by the University to manage the use of CSUSM Logos and Marks. The information compiled here will help guide you through the process.
What is a Trademark?
All names and visual representations of CSUSM are considered its “trademarks” and are protected. This includes all word marks, service marks, names, name variants, nicknames, logotypes, logos, insignia, shields, seals, designs, devices, or symbols that refer to CSUSM. Also included are any words, phrases or images that imply association with the University.
What is Licensing?
UARSC contracts with Licensing Resource Group (LRG) to perform licensing agreements with all vendors and individuals wishing to use CSUSM Logos and Marks. CSUSM Logos and Marks may not be used without a License Agreement. License agreements are granted on an annual basis. LRG collects the administrative and licensing fees, checks for proper insurance, quality of vendors’ product and fair labor practices, and collects royalties. While license agreements are required for both resale and not-for-sale products, royalties are only paid on items for resale. LRG forwards royalties to UARSC and 100% of royalties generated are transferred to the campus.
I want to use a campus logo or word mark – What now?
Should you wish to use the campus logo or name on products for resale, give-away, or for your group or organization, you must follow the instructions below.
- Art approval must be obtained before production or any use of CSUSM trademarks. Submit artwork to Derek Dioses (760-750-4731), Manager of the University Store, to obtain approval of design/product using CSUSM Logos or Graphics. Approvals for logo designs and graphics usage are made according to the CSUSM Department of Communications Style Guide. Once you have received art approval, you may move to the next step.
- After art approval is obtained, the University Store must be given the opportunity to produce the product. The University Store has the first right of refusal on any custom CSUSM products, both emblematic and non-emblematic. For all products ordered through the University Store, the University Store ensures all approved vendors have completed the necessary licensing requirements and fees.
- Should the University Store decline to fulfill the order, an outside vendor must be used. If your design/product is approved for use, but the University Store cannot fulfill or wishes not to fulfill the order, the organization or individual wishing to order the product must ensure the vendor they use has contacted LRG at (616) 395-0676 to obtain a License Agreement prior to fulfilling any product order. A real-time list of vendors that currently hold licenses for CSUSM trademarks is available through LRG.
Reimbursement requests and payment of invoices for products using CSUSM Logos or Graphics must have a proper License Agreement or reimbursement/payment can be denied.
A complete list of CSUSM trademarks
CSUSM is affiliated with the Fair Labor Association (FLA)
Using the CSU Name
