about us
Mandate and Who We Are
The University of Toronto’s Trademark Licensing Program oversees the responsible use of the University’s name, trademarks, and official marks on merchandise and apparel. This includes products sold at the U of T Bookstore, varsity and staff uniforms, and custom merchandise ordered by students, faculty, and staff.
Our role is to protect the University’s reputation while ensuring licensed products reflect U of T’s values.
Our Mission
Trademark Licensing is committed to:
- Maintaining a consistent, high-quality visual identity
- Promoting ethical procurement and responsible sourcing
- Fostering pride and belonging across the U of T community
- Protecting and enforcing the University’s registered marks
- Enhancing U of T’s reputation locally and globally
What You Can Expect
We’re here to make the process clear, ethical, and efficient.
When working with us, you can expect:
- Clear guidance before ordering merchandise or uniforms
- Access to licensed vendors who have signed our Code of Conduct and disclosed their supply chains
- Timely support for custom orders and design approvals
- Royalty exemptions for recognized student groups on non-commercial items
- Confidence that purchases support ethical labour practices
- Expertise in registering new marks and addressing infringement concerns
An Ethically Responsible Campus
For more than 20 years, U of T has been a leader in responsible collegiate licensing in Canada.
We work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), licensing agents, and suppliers to ensure compliance with our Trademark Licensing Policy and Code of Conduct, which require:
- Transparent supply chains
- Safe, non-exploitative working conditions
- High-quality products that reflect the University’s values
Only licensed suppliers who sign our Code of Conduct, provide proof of insurance, and disclose manufacturing details are authorized to produce U of T-branded merchandise.
A History Rooted in Student Activism
In March 2000, 17 student activists from Students Against Sweatshops (SAS) staged a 10-day sit-in at the office of then-President Robert Prichard. They called for the University to adopt a Code of Conduct requiring ethical manufacturing standards — including provisions for a living wage.
Within days, the University adopted the Code of Conduct for Licensees, becoming the first Canadian university to implement such a policy.
This landmark decision established clear ethical standards for working conditions, wages, and transparency in the production of U of T merchandise — standards that continue to guide our program today.
Trademark Licensing Policy & Code of Conduct
The University of Toronto has established a Trademark Licensing Policy to govern the use of its name, trademarks, official marks, and other brand assets.
As a globally recognized institution, U of T’s marks are widely used on merchandise and promotional materials. This policy ensures they are used responsibly, ethically, and in ways that protect the integrity of the University.
All merchandise bearing University trademarks must be produced by licensed vendors and approved in accordance with this policy.
Why It Matters
Although collegiate licensing represents a small percentage of global apparel production, U of T is committed to making a meaningful impact on labour conditions and supply chain transparency.
Through strong oversight and external partnerships, we help promote fair, humane, and lawful working environments worldwide.
Our Affiliations
Labour & Ethical Oversight
To ensure strong accountability and ethical production standards, the University is affiliated with:
These organizations conduct independent factory assessments and support improvements in global labour conditions across the collegiate sector.
Licensing Administration
The University manages licensing approvals and reporting through the Direct Licensing Hub, ensuring efficient application processing, design approvals, and royalty oversight.
Key Principles
Our licensing program is guided by the following principles:
- Quality & Ethics: Licensed products must be high quality and produced under humane, non-exploitative conditions.
- Non-Discrimination: U of T trademarks may not be used in ways that discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected grounds.
- Reputation Protection: The University’s name and marks must not be associated with activities or products that could harm its academic reputation.
- Design Approval: All products and designs are subject to University review and approval.
- Active Oversight: Licensees are monitored through compliance reporting and review processes.
- Governance & Transparency:
- The President oversees trademark use and the Code of Conduct.
- The policy is reviewed in consultation with faculty, staff, and students.
- Compliance reports are publicly available.
- An annual report is submitted to the University Affairs Board.
Code of Conduct Standards
Licensed vendors and their contractors must:
- Comply with all applicable laws and environmental regulations
- Provide fair wages and safe working conditions
- Prohibit child labour and forced labour
- Respect workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively
- Prevent discrimination, harassment, and abuse
Violations must be remedied promptly. Failure to comply may result in termination of the license agreement.
Royalties & Community Impact
Royalties from licensed merchandise support campus and community development initiatives.
Recognized U of T groups are exempt from royalties on non-commercial promotions, provided they follow University guidelines.
