I. Scope
George Mason University (“George Mason” or “University”) prohibits the use of any trademarks, which for purposes of this University Policy include, but is not limited to, all registered or common law marks with the University’s name, abbreviations, symbols, emblems, logos, mascot, slogans, seals, insignia, indicia, names, nicknames, uniforms, or still and moving images without express written approval. The University’s goal is to protect its trademarks and strengthen its brand and marketing reach. This policy applies to anyone desiring usage of any of the University Trademarks.
II. Policy Statement
The President of George Mason University has delegated authority to approve the use of University Trademarks to the Office of University Branding with the following goals.
A. Ensure proper control and use of the University Trademarks; protect the University Trademarks from unauthorized uses, and facilitate the process of granting authorization for legitimate internal and third-party use of the University Trademarks.
B. Ensure that the University generates revenue for its programs by securing a legitimate and reasonable royalty or usage fee for the use of its Trademarks.
C. Promote George Mason in a consistent and uniform manner to protect the University’s reputation, name and image by permitting appropriate uses by Officially Licensed Vendors, assuring that only approved uses feature the University Trademarks, protecting the consumer from counterfeit merchandise featuring the University Trademarks, and reviewing materials for brand compliance.
D. Encourage the use of officially license vendors that maintain a membership with the Fair Labor Association (FLA).
III. Definitions
Officially Licensed Vendors: Officially licensed vendors are businesses that have been approved to use our trademarks on products in the retail market as well as for product orders processed by the university community.
Recognized Student Organizations: Recognized Student Organizations are clubs, groups, organizations that have been approved by the Office of Student Involvement or Mason Recreation to operate as such at George Mason.
University Trademarks: For the purpose of this policy, the term Trademark includes federally registered and common law trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos, insignia, indicia, emblems, symbols, identifying marks, marks, names, nicknames, seals, and mascots.
IV. Compliance
USE AND QUALITY STANDARD
A. All University units, which includes but is not limited to schools, colleges, departments, centers and institutes, must follow University brand guidelines when using the University Trademarks on all print and digital materials, including merchandise, websites, social media, printed collateral, presentations, video, and advertising.
B. Use of the University Trademarks in conjunction with Recognized Student Organization logos, merchandise, and designs must adhere to guidelines presented in the University Brand Guide, and may only use the specific reference of “at George Mason University”, which contains a University Trademark.
C. Other Clubs or organizations affiliated with the University may not use the University Trademarks unless such clubs or organizations have a written agreement with the University permitting such use of University Trademarks. Such use is subject to the same Officially Licensed Vendor and royalty requirements as all other uses of the University Trademarks.
D. Companies, vendors, community partners or individuals creating merchandise for sale or distribution may use the University Trademarks only after entering into a specific license agreement with the University or obtaining written permission from the Office of University Branding. The trademarks may not be used to endorse a third-party entity without obtaining written permission from the Office of University Branding.
E. Companies, vendors, community partners or individuals using any University Trademarks for advertising or promotional purposes in any format must first obtain written permission from the Office of University Branding. In most cases, a royalty or usage fee will be assessed. Permission is typically granted for a specific length of time. Acceptable appearance and usage criteria are defined in the University Brand Guide.
F. All merchandise produced bearing the University Trademarks must use an Officially Licensed Vendor. Officially Licensed Vendors are required to submit final artwork to the University’s licensing agent for approval by the Office of University Branding before production.
G. All merchandise featuring the University Trademarks are subject to royalty fees. Activities or merchandise that include the University Trademarks along with the logos or wordmarks of corporate sponsors will be assessed royalty fees contingent on approval from the Office of University Branding. Any exemptions to royalty fees will be granted in writing and does not exempt the requirement to use an Officially Licensed Vendor for manufacture or production.
H. Authorized users of the University Trademarks shall not adopt or use, without the express and prior written consent of the Office of University Branding, any variation of the University Trademarks.
I. The proper form of registration notices of ® or™ must be placed in immediate conjunction with the appropriate mark, unless otherwise exempted in writing by the Office of University Branding.
J. The University Trademarks will not be used in any manner tending to diminish the reputation and image of the University. The University’s Trademarks are not to be used in any way that discriminates or implies discrimination against any persons based on any prohibited basis under Virginia or federal law, or that would violate the University’s anti-discrimination policies.
K. Merchandise bearing the University Trademarks and produced without proper written authorization from the Office of University Branding may be considered counterfeit or infringing and subject to all available legal remedies, including, but not limited to, seizure of the merchandise.
ADMINISTRATION
A. The Office of University Counsel will register the University Trademarks with state, national and international governing bodies as directed by the Office of University Branding.
B. The Office of Student Involvement or Mason Recreation will provide guidance and approval of student organizations/clubs graphic designs, which must adhere to the University Brand Guidelines.
C. The Office of University Branding will approve the use of the University Trademarks.
D. The Office of University Branding will negotiate and consummate agreements for the commercial use of the University Trademarks.
E. The Office of University Branding will monitor sales activity and account for royalties paid by licensees for the use of the University Trademarks.
F. The Office of University Branding will monitor the marketplace to control unlicensed use.
G. The Office of University Branding will guide university staff and their external agents on how to appropriately use the university’s brand.
V. Forms
N/A
VI. Dates
A. Effective Date:
This policy will become effective upon the date of approval by Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
B. Date of Most Recent Review:
May 22, 2025
VII. Timetable for Review
This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed triennially.
VIII. Signatures
APPROVED:
__/S___________________
Kenneth D. Walsh
Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff
__/S___________________
James Antony
Provost and Executive Vice President
Originally Approved: April 11, 2013
Revised: April 15, 2013
Revision Approved: October 13, 2014
Reviewed: September 23, 2016
Revision Approved: October 9, 2017
Revised: May 18, 2021, July 30, 2021
Revision approved: May 22, 2025
Page last updated: July 15, 2025