Any mark, logo, symbol, artwork, nickname, letter(s), word(s), or combination of these that can be associated with the University qualifies as a trademark. View trademarks.

A wide range of products incorporate the WSU identity. The University regularly receives proposals for incorporating its identity on new products. Those proposals are reviewed and then approved or rejected by the Trademark Licensing office. This ensures that all products associated with the University are of high quality and represent WSU’s brand image appropriately.

Anyone who plans to apply the marks, logos, artwork, or symbols of Washington State University to any product or if one plans to use the marks to promote a product or service must obtain a license from the WSU Trademark Licensing office. Failure to obtain a license or approval is grounds for the seizure of all non-approved merchandise bearing the University’s marks."Criminal penalties for misuse of trademarks are provided for in RCW 9.16.030 to .060. Manufacture of a counterfeit trademark is classified as a gross misdemeanor, while sale or advertisement of an unauthorized trademark is a misdemeanor."

Retailers work with a group of vendors to bring new products to market each year. For more information about retailers’ wholesale buying practices, e-mail logolicensing@wsu.edu.

Students, departments and alumni groups that would like to develop artwork for apparel or other memorabilia are required to use a WSU-licensed vendor. These vendors are familiar with the licensing process and are responsible for knowing the rules about using University names and artwork, thereby saving everyone time and effort. For a list of approved vendors, click here.

Every use of WSU’s trademarks requires permission from the Trademark Licensing office. The Internet has made it easy for alumni, fans, and supporters to build Web pages featuring the University’s name and logos, and Washington State appreciates this support. However, federal trademark laws require that the University control its name and marks; therefore, WSU must be very selective in granting use permission in these and all instances.

For more information about the University’s trademark licensing program, contact:

Alyce Anderson logolicensing@wsu.edu Trademark Licensing Program
PO Box 641045
Pullman, WA 99164-1045
Phone: 509-335-2202 Fax: 509-335-4050

Anyone who wishes to produce merchandise must submit a license application. This application informs WSU about how its marks will be used, what type of product the applicant makes, how the University is going to be represented, etc. For more details about these issues, visit Info and Application Process.

Washington State University is a member of the CLC Consortium and WSU is the owner of the respective trademarks and icons and have contracted with the Collegiate Licensing Company to aid in protecting, managing, and developing the brands.

It is typically much easier to work with an established University licensee than to try and license a new product or idea. The “Officially Licensed Collegiate Products” hologram label identifies merchandise that has passed the standards of quality set forth by WSU and ensures that a portion of the purchase is returned to Washington State University.