Designs & Ordering Merchandise
For Students
University branded merchandise is an important piece of the collegiate experience, a way for students to feel connected with their experiences on campus. It is our goal to make branded merchandise as easily accessible to student groups as possible, while still upholding the policies of the University. Our hope is that each student has a beloved piece of merchandise they carry with them long after they’ve left the University.
Students
Student Group Branding Guidelines
Here are some standard rules that apply to all University merchandise. If you are unsure or feel you have an exception, please contact the Trademark Licensing Office to discuss.
- All officially recognized student groups may use the University name to identify themselves.
- All merchandise that bears the University name or trademarks must be ordered through a licensed vendor (this includes ‘U of T’, ‘utoronto’, all official logos, etc.). This policy applies to student group logos that use the university name.
- Student groups are not permitted to make individual profit off the sale of University merchandise.
- Student governments, unions and councils are permitted to use their official faculty or department mark on merchandise. The use of these marks MUST be approved by the Trademark Licensing Office and be ordered through a licensed supplier. Please contact the Trademark Licensing Office to discuss designs.
- General interest student groups are only permitted to use the name of the University (provided they are officially recognized). They are NOT permitted to use any official University marks.
- Student groups should be mindful of copying other well known trademarks. This is illegal. All artwork created should be original to the group to avoid legal action from trademark owners.
- Student group logos should not represent any faculty or department of the University. All student created logos should indicate in writing they are a student group. For example, the Medical Society can use an unofficial logo that says Medical Society University of Toronto but not Medicine University of Toronto. The latter implicates the whole faculty, instead of the individual student group.
- Any questions about the use of official or unofficial marks can be sent directly to the Trademark Licensing Office for comment.
Find out more about …
Design
Quick Tips
- 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 Office.
- If you are unsure what marks to use for your department/program, please contact the Trademark Licensing Office.
- Be aware of the item’s imprint area. Certain small items like pens and USBs have small imprint areas and won’t be able to include lots of information or reproduce the University crest.
APPROVED DESIGNS
Image Examples
not approved
Once registered through Ulife, groups can create their own logos to represent their groups as long as the following conditions are met:
- It doesn’t look anything like official U of T logos.
- Doesn’t use any elements of official U of T logos (for example the beaver or oak tree).
- Doesn’t use any similar fonts to official U of T logo.
- Contains the whole name of the group so there is no confusion as to whether it is a student group or internal department.
This would not be approved because it resembles the Raptors jersey. Copying well known trademarks is illegal. All artwork created should be original to the group to avoid legal action being taken by trademark owners. For this to be approved, student should make changes to the design so its connection to the Raptors is less obvious, for example changing the direction of the arrow, removing the number and/or changing the colours.
Student Unions
Course and program unions are affiliates of student societies which represent a particular sub-section within a student society. For example, there are course and program unions within the Arts and Science Students Union (ASSU), the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU) and the Engineering Society (ENGSOC). Some of these organizations also seek status as recognized student groups.
Use of University name and Marks
Course Unions are permitted certain rights with respect to University branded merchandise:
- Course Unions may hold a sale of departmental branded merchandise so long as the sale is limited in scope, temporary, makes little to no profit, and any profit realized is reinvested back into the clubs activities.
- All merchandise must be ordered through a licensed vendor – the preferred vendor for these sales is the University of Toronto Bookstore.
- Official marks may be used for this merchandise, but must be approved by the Trademark Licensing Office.
- All merchandise must be approved by the Trademark Licensing Office before production.
student groups
Recognized Student Groups
Student clubs or groups are formally referred to as “recognized student groups” at the University of Toronto. Recognized student groups are voluntary organizations that have “registered” or gained recognition from the Office of Student Life. Student groups include cultural groups, advocacy, social justice, hobby, arts and much more.
Use of University name and Marks
Student groups are not permitted to use any official University of Toronto marks. They are permitted to use the school name, assuming they are a registered student group or club (to register, contact Ulife). The merchandise purchased must be for promotional use only, and cannot be sold for a retail profit. The name of the University must appear as a word mark, with no specialized characters or images.
Recognized student groups are not permitted to use any official logos of the University except under very specific circumstances. If you feel you have a specific need for official marks, please contact the Trademark Licensing Office to discuss your options.
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