apparel and merchandise 101
Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff are permitted to purchase promotional merchandise with University of Toronto marks. Merchandise is an important extension of the University brand and should reflect the overall tone and message of the institution.
Swag is an effective tool to build affinity with recruits, students, alumni and donors. From giveaways, staff gear, recognition awards, displays to VIP gifts, Trademark Licensing ensures divisions across Tri-Campus have access to a full range of products and branding services to suit your needs.
How to Order University-Branded Merchandise
Step 1: Consider Your Options
Approach at least 2-3 approved vendors including the Bookstore to explore the latest products, minimum quantities, production timelines and quotes.
Step 2: Select a Licensed Vendor
Work with your chosen vendor to brand your custom merchandise according to Trademark Licensing guidelines best practices. Vendors will have access to your divisional mark.
Step 3: Submit Your Order with the Vendor
The vendor will provide a proof for review with you the client, Trademark Licensing and respective communications office to ensure all branding guidelines are met prior to production.
Step 4: Custom Order Fulfillment
Vendor will provide confirmation, production updates, delivery and billing at the completion of the order.
important
Branding Guidelines
All merchandise featuring official University of Toronto marks must comply with brand and trademark standards to ensure a consistent and professional visual identity. Items must be produced by approved, licensed suppliers, and follow guidelines for proper logo use, placement, typography, colour, and spacing. Departments should consult their divisional communications officer or the Trademark Licensing Office for guidance or approval.
remember
Best Practices
- All merchandise that utilizes any official University of Toronto signature, wordmark or letter mark from the University, faculties or programs, must be ordered through a licensed supplier.
- Wordmark with the department name or division in Trade Gothic Next is best practice.
- Stacking a lockup with the division name underneath in Trade Gothic Next is an acceptable alternative to filling empty space (e.g. tote bag).
- U of T trademarks are registered and protected by the University of Toronto and can only be used for official university business.
- If you are looking for a specific item or brand, please visit the approved vendor list for a comprehensive list of items and brands each licensee carries by visiting their website.
- Divisions must use their faculty or department signature. If your program does not have your own signature, please contact your department’s divisional communications officer or Trademark Licensing.
- Best practice for text is title case but there are exceptions. Have vendors clearly indicate if the preference for all caps is desired.
- The official colours of the University are navy blue (PMS 655) and white. It is always preferred that the merchandise is in navy blue, white, black or grey. Official marks can only be imprinted in white, black and PMS 655.
- The minimum safe space around the mark is half the height of the crest. No other visual elements or logos should appear with official marks. All exceptions must be approved by the Trademark Licensing.
- If you are unsure what marks to use for your department/program, please contact your communication office or Trademark Licensing.
- Products with limited imprint areas (e.g. pens, lanyards and USB keys) are a challenge when rendering our university coat-of-arms or departments with long signatures. Wordmarks or Trade Gothic Next text is recommended to meet accessibility and production logistics.
If you are unsure what marks to use for your department/program, please contact the Trademark Licensing Office.
improper usage
Quick Tips
Please avoid the following:
- University of Toronto has a no logo policy. Creation of logos or anything that may suggest a visual identity separate from the University of Toronto is prohibited. Exceptions are made for anniversary/celebratory logos, legacy logos or strategic and business objectives.
- University of Toronto marks must be used in their entirety and cannot be altered in any way.
- U of T marks cannot be distorted, manipulated, covered or expropriated. Removal of the coat-of-arms from a divisional signature to fit design specifications does not meet brand standards.
a visual guide
Sample Designs
The following are previous examples of designs that have been approved or not approved.
Design #1: Lanyard – NOT APPROVED
Reasons for non-approval:• Removal of the coat of arms with the text of the university and department in the official font is not an official signature. Must be used in entirely.• University wordmark is acceptable with arts and science in Trade Gothic Next font.• Step and repeat of university wordmark with A&S letter mark in TGN font as alternative.
