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Various N A U logo-branded items: cozy quarter-zip, stylish scarf, and mugs.

University Trademarks & Licensing


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.

N A U's historic Old Main building in the winter.

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.

I am a:

General Trademarks & Licensing information

Northern Arizona University’s Trademark and Licensing Program exists to protect and promote the indicia (names, 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.

  • All items bearing NAU IP for use in retail or internall are required to be produced by a licensee. Internal Licensees can be found in the Internal Licensee list.
  • Merchandise that bears a registered (or common law) trademark, trade name, service mark, or logo of Northern Arizona University name, must be approved, in writing, by the Office of Trademarks & Licensing (or its agent, CLC). Merchandise produced without written authorization may be considered “counterfeit” and subject to all available legal remedies, including seizure of merchandise.
  • Logos are to be used as registered, including the appropriate trademark designation, but may not be otherwise altered without the expressed authorization of the Trademarks & Licensing Office.
  • The names and marks of the university will not be used in the promotion of tobacco and/or “recreational” drug products.
  • Northern Arizona University logos cannot be used to endorse or promote a private group or business unless authorized by a formal contract or sponsorship agreement.
  • Departments may only use the NAU mark with their official lock-up. The University Brand Guidelines are available for your reference.

The use of Northern Arizona University regulated by the Office of Trademarks & Licensing: Campus units may only use the NAU mark with their official lock-up provided to them within the approved logo system, without modifications. Visit the NAU Brand Guidelines website for more information on logo usage.

Licensed Vendors

NAU merchandise

Yellow blossoms on the opening day of Northern Arizona University's academic year.

I am a: Student group or organization Student group information

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), Club Sports, Intramural Sports, Fraternities, and Sororities may produce, sell, or give away merchandise bearing approved university marks by obtaining permission from the Office of Trademarks & Licensing prior to production.

The production of NAU merchandise which features any university trademark (name, logo, mascot, or verbiage) must comply with the NAU Trademark Licensing Policy and reflect positively on the university. All products are required to obtain permissions by the Office of Trademarks & Licensing before production. Organizations intending to sell this merchandise as a fundraiser for their organization are required to pay adhering royalties on products.

Please note: no club or organization may imply that it is functioning on behalf of Northern Arizona University unless it has been officially sanctioned. Therefore, it is required that student organizations who wish to use their group logo or name in conjunction with any of the approved NAU marks utilize “at Northern Arizona University” when defining the relationship of their organization and NAU, e.g., “Future Teachers Club at Northern Arizona University” or “Archery Club at NAU.”

Obtaining branded merchandise or promotional items

Consider items that will add value to your program and will reflect positively upon the university. While some items may be “cute” or provide novelty, is it something that will inspire goodwill toward your program and NAU?

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 as of July 1, 2023, all items bearing Northern Arizona University trademarks and IP require royalties.

For any questions or clarification, email licensing@nau.edu.

For merchandise and promotional items:

  • 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.
  • For promotional products or any merchandise, browse a list of licensed vendors.

For print materials and internal display items:

  • All University offices and personnel are required to use University Printing Services for the 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.

Artwork may be developed internally or in collaboration with the licensed vendor of your choosing.

Sport clubs: All currently recognized Club Sports housed under Campus Recreation have official Sport Club logos and branding guidelines to adhere to. To access these logos, please email campusrec@NAU.edu. If your sport club does not have a logo, please submit a logo request.

Logo use

  • Organizations and clubs not registered with the Office of Student Life or those not officially recognized by the university are not permitted to use any NAU logos or verbiage. Browse a full list of recognized clubs and organizations or a list of recognized sport clubs.
  • University Trademarks may not be altered without the express written consent from the Office of Trademarks & Licensing.
Approved logos

  • Institutional logo in its entirety
  • University tradenames and verbiage (Northern Arizona University, NAU, Lumberjack(s), NAU Lumberjack(s), Jacks)

Brand Identity Guide

Reference the Brand Identity Guide while developing artwork bearing any of the University tradenames.

Usage of NAU Logos, Trademarks, and Associated Verbiages for Promotional Purposes

Official student organizations that wish to use NAU logos or trademarks in addition to their organizational names must restrict the uses of such marks to those approved by University Marketing (listed below).

Student organizations, their members, and all individuals in the NAU community should be aware that the use of the NAU logos and/or marks on a given piece of promotional material does not mean that NAU, as an institution, endorses the student organization’s event or initiative.   The university does not —either explicitly or impliedly—endorse activities undertaken by student organizations. Use of the “A student organization at NAU” mark on student organization materials is permitted only to ensure that the university brand is presented consistently. University Marketing review (when needed) is strictly limited to reviewing the logo and mark usage and does not extend to reviews and approvals of content and or perspectives expressed in student organization materials.

Logos, Trademarks, and Verbiages Approved for Student Organization’s Use on Promotional Materials

a. The phrase of “A student organization at NAU” in the two specified formats shown below are options to be used in addition to the name of the student organization.

  • For t-shirts and any other items (pens, pennants, magnets, etc.) will be ordered through NAU licensees, a registration mark is required for NAU ligature in the options shown above.

b. full-body Louie graphic without any alternation, verbiage, text, or additional design elements.

The full-body N A U Louie the Lumberjack logo.
Graphic file can be requested per use case through marketing@nau.edu.

c. Verbiage to use in text-only format (instead of using the options under a.): xxxxx (student organization name) “at Northern Arizona University” or “at NAU”.

c.1 For social media use (in description, part of the account name, in the homepage or profile images, etc.), either of the above phrases or StOrg@NAU can be used.

c.2 For t-shirts and any other items (pens, pennants, magnets, etc.) will be ordered through NAU licensees, a TM mark is required for “Northern Arizona University” and a registration mark is required for “NAU” (as seen in the examples below).

  • xxxxx (student organization name) at Northern Arizona University™
  • xxxxx (student organization name) at NAU®

d. Verbiage associated with the university: Lumberjack(s) and Jacks. TM mark is required for these as well.

Unapproved logos

Logos or marks not permitted for use by student groups include, but are not limited to:

  • Any Vault logos and/or discontinued NAU Trademarks or logos
  • Heritage logos and marks unless permission granted by University Marketing department prior to production
  • 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.

Northern Arizona University's primary axe "Lumberjacks" logo, featuring true blue and gold.

Northern Arizona University's full color wordmark with Louie the Lumberjack.

Northern Arizona University's Wordmark, featuring N A U true blue.

Northern Arizona University's primary axe logo, featuring true blue and gold.

Submit a branded merchandise and promotional items approval request. The form will require you to include the following information:

  1. Licensed vendor name
  2. Upload of the design file or art submission
  3. Intended use of the item
  4. Contact information

Upon receipt of approval from University Marketing, you may place your order directly with the 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.

Contemporary building on Northern Arizona University's Flagstaff Mountain Campus.

I am a: Department or College 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

Consider items that will add value to your program, are sustainable, and will reflect positively upon the university.

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.

For merchandise and promotional Items:

  • 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.

For print materials and internal display items:

  • 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.

 

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.

Logo use

  • 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.

Brand Identity Guide

Reference the Brand Identity Guide when developing artwork bearing any of the NAU tradenames.

 

Submit a branded merchandise and promotional items approval request. The form will require you to include the following information:

  1. Licensed vendor name
  2. Upload of the design file or art submission
  3. Intended use of the item
  4. Contact information

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

  1. Most promotional items used for giveaways should use the department lock-up logo found at the NAU Logo Portal.
  2. Other options for promotional items can be a unique design for special events.
  3. General NAU logos as a standalone logo are not permitted for use on giveaway items.

Northern Arizona University's primary logo, featuring true blue and gold.

N A U ligature, featuring true blue and gold.

4. Mascot logos are not permitted for giveaway items

5. Promotional items are required to include “NAU” or “Northern Arizona University” as part of the design.

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.

Yes, all promotional items and orders for products utilizing NAU marks require royalties.

Exemptions

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

The Axehead mark is reserved for use by the NAU Athletics department and retail use only.

Northern Arizona University's primary axe "Lumberjacks" logo, featuring true blue and gold.

Northern Arizona University's full color wordmark with Louie the Lumberjack.

Northern Arizona University's Wordmark, featuring N A U true blue.

Northern Arizona University's primary axe logo, featuring true blue and gold.

Snow-covered trees on the campus of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ.

I am a: Potential licensee Information for licensees

Northern Arizona University was established in 1899 in the city of Flagstaff, Arizona, nestled at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, NAU experiences a true four-season climate with 288 days of sunshine and more than 100 inches of annual snowfall, all while being surrounded by the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world.

With 151 degree programs, NAU has attained a student body population of over 30K enrolled students, who participate in 15 NCAA Division I sports teams. Our nationally recognized programs in business, engineering, nursing, and education continue to attract motivated students from around the world, who attend our flagship mountain campus or one of our 19 community campuses throughout the state, or who participate globally through our online programs. After graduation, our nearly 168,000 alumni contribute to the NAU story through involvement in chapter programs around the nation, as well as our #1 ranked social channels.

NAU Trademarks & Licensing Program

Northern Arizona University partners with Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) to manage its current licensee list, review new license requests, and process all art approvals before items move into production.

For more information and to begin the application process, please visit Collegiate Licensing Company.

License fees

The university has established a standard royalty rate of 14% that will be included in the wholesale prices you charge as a licensed vendor. CLC also collects minimal annual advances from all licensees. Those advances are determined by the category of the product being licensed for production. As a licensed vendor, you are required to provide proof of insurance as specified by CLC. In addition, Northern Arizona University and CLC reserve the right to create new licensing programs and fees as market trends permit.

License types

Standard

The Standard License is intended for companies that are capable of extensive production and retail distribution of their product(s) and/or are introducing a unique and commercially viable product to the collegiate market. The Standard License is usually not for first-time applicants or companies without well-established marketing plans, existing product distribution, and/or a financial history of selling licensed product. This license is for the product of emblematic merchandise that will be sold by the licensed vendor to retailers.

Local

The Local License is for companies that desire to obtain a license with Northern Arizona University and possibly one to two other institutions in the state of Arizona only.

Internal Campus Supplier

This type of license is for companies who wish to produce items used by Northern Arizona University for internal use only. Internal Campus Suppliers are not authorized to sell any products for traditional retail sales. Often, a Promotional Addendum is added to Internal Campus Supplier Licenses so elevated royalty rates can be charged for premium-promotional products or items bearing third company logos in addition to the university’s logos.