Northern Arizona University’s Trademark Licensing Program exists to protect and promote the indicia (name, logos, graphics, marks, etc.) owned by Northern Arizona University. The goal is to ensure proper use and application of Northern Arizona University trademarks, to strengthen relationships with retailers, licensees, campus units, student organizations, alumni and fans, and to generate revenue that funds various campus programs and facilities.
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Information for colleges and departments
In an effort to protect the intellectual property of Northern Arizona University, as well as ensuring University Marketing brand compliance, colleges or departments looking to utilize NAU trademarks for uniforms, presentation displays, or promotions that involve merchandise must have permission to do so from the Trademarks & Licensing Department. All products bearing NAU trademarks are required by University Policy to be produced and purchased by a licensed vendor.
Obtaining branded merchandise or promotional items
1. Choose the item you are looking to purchase.
Consider items that will add value to your program, are sustainable, and will reflect positively upon the university.
2. Choose a vendor to produce your product.
All Northern Arizona University departments, student organizations, and associated entities are required to use a licensed vendor for products bearing NAU trademarks and tradenames (i.e., logos, verbiage including but not limited to “Northern Arizona University,” “Jacks,” “Lumberjacks,” “Northern Arizona,” “NAU,” “Kiss My Axe.”)
Royalties: Please note that as of July 1, 2023, all items bearing Northern Arizona University trademarks and IP require royalties with limited exemptions.
For any questions or clarification, email licensing@nau.edu.
- The NAU Campus Bookstore is contracted with the university for the exclusive right to sell merchandise traditionally offered in University Bookstores and should be afforded the first opportunity to quote any promotional items. To request a quote, please visit the NAU Bookstore Custom Order website.
- Promotional products: browse a list of licensed vendors.
All university offices and personnel are required to use University Printing Services for university printing jobs in excess of their own routine photocopying and desktop printing. The manager of University Printing Services may grant a waiver of this requirement on a case-by-case basis. Please visit Printing Services for more information.
3. Develop artwork/logo use.
All University approved logos can be found at the NAU Logo Portal.
- If your department does not have a logo, please submit a logo request, and a representative from the University Marketing team will contact you.
Artwork may be developed internally with the University Marketing team or in collaboration with the licensed vendor of your choosing.
- University Trademarks may not be altered without the express written consent from the Office of Trademarks & Licensing.
- Promotional items given away by departments are required to use the unit logo lock-up including the department name and/or be a part of a unique design not available at retail or with retail vendors. All promotional items must be ordered through a licensed vendor.
- General NAU logos are not permitted for giveaway use.
- Athletics logos: Athletics logos containing the bordering axe signify our NCAA collegiate-level sports programs and are not permitted for use by any organization, department, or division other than Intercollegiate Athletics.
- Louie the mascot logos are not permitted for giveaway use.
- Vintage/Vault marks and other specialty marks are not permitted for giveaways outside of very specific exceptions granted by the Office of Trademarks & Licensing.
- Staff uniforms and gear:
- Departments are required to use their official NAU department lock-up for departmental staff orders.
- If a general NAU logo is desired for staff gear, orders should be placed to the NAU Bookstore at a discounted departmental rate.
- For staff uniforms to be considered royalty-exempt, the item must be required for work. Examples include police patches for uniforms, scrubs to identify NAU’s medical students in practice. The only staff apparel for uniforms that are royalty-exempt are polo shirts using the official NAU department lock-up.
Reference the Brand Identity Guide when developing artwork bearing any of the NAU tradenames.
4. Obtain approval from University Marketing
Submit a branded merchandise and promotional items approval request. The form will require you to include the following information:
- Licensed vendor name
- Upload of the design file or art submission
- Intended use of the item
- Contact information
5. Submit the order to the licensed vendor
Upon receipt of approval from University Marketing, you may place your order directly with the licensed vendor.
Standard turnaround time for production can be anywhere from 4–6 weeks and will vary based on production capacity, weather (for delivery), and vendor. When working with the vendor, please establish an “in-hands” date to determine whether they will be able to meet your needs. In some cases, expedited production and shipping may be available at an additional cost.
Frequently asked questions for colleges and departments
Which logo or design should I use for my order?
- Most promotional items used for giveaways should use the department lock-up logo found at the NAU Logo Portal.
- Other options for promotional items can be a unique design for special events.
- General NAU logos as a standalone logo are not permitted for use on giveaway items.
- Mascot logos are not permitted for giveaway items
- Promotional items are required to include “NAU” or “Northern Arizona University” as part of the design.
What is a licensee?
A licensee is someone who has become licensed with the university and has rights to produce items using NAU logos and trademarks. Licensed vendors have submitted the required paperwork and gone through the approval process to be able to produce goods for the university.
Will my order require royalties? Is there anything exempt from royalties?
Yes, all promotional items and orders for products utilizing NAU marks require royalties.
Items that are considered exempt from royalties are:
- Uniforms required for staff to wear (i.e., police patches, chef jackets, lab coats, polo shirts utilizing department lock-up logo that will be used for staff apparel)
- NCAA Athletics uniforms and gear required for athletes’ performance
- NCAA Athletics championship rings
- Student Sport Club uniforms
Can I use the NAU Athletics departments logos?
The Axehead mark is reserved for use by the NAU Athletics department and retail use only.
Not a department and college?
Explore University Trademarks & Licensing information
Are you seeking comprehensive details on licensing and trademark guidelines for your group, department, or organization? You’ve come to the right place. Click through the links below to find the information tailored to your needs.