The Trademark Licensing program promotes and protects the wordmarks, trademarks, logos, and symbols associated with the University of Iowa. Proper and legal use is critically important to protect and distinguish the Iowa brand. Follow all licensing procedures when ordering branded merchandise.
Vendors who make or sell items imprinted with University of Iowa trademarks or visual identity elements must be licensed by the university. All merchandise and apparel must be purchased from an approved, currently licensed vendor.
When wordmarks, trademarks, logos, symbols, or other brand elements associated with the university appear on merchandise and apparel, they must include the correct registration mark. That may be a ® or ™ symbol, depending on the legal registration status of the trademark displayed.
Appropriation prohibited: The block IOWA logo, secondary logos, or any element of an official logo, cannot be incorporated into custom unique graphics. This applies to graphics created for university awareness themes, campus events, initiatives, campaign names, and on-campus retail products or services.
University trademarks
The University of Iowa name is a federally registered trademark. Protection extends beyond the logo and includes common shorthand references of the name and phrases unique to the university.
Examples of university trademarked names and phrases include, but are not limited to:
- "Iowa"
- "U of I"
- "Hawkeyes"
- "Go Hawks!"
The UI Trademark Licensing Office maintains the complete list and registration status of university trademarks and reviews usage to ensure compliance with university policies.
Review process
All products and designs must be approved by the UI Trademark Licensing Office. Take the following steps when ordering merchandise and apparel and allow two weeks for processing each request:
Step 1: Choose products from approved licensed vendors
Select products your audience will keep and use. Durable, sustainable choices make the best impression and reduce waste.
- Favor long-lasting items over disposable trinkets.
- Plan for inclusive sizing and comfortable fabric when ordering apparel.
You must purchase merchandise and apparel through an approved licensed vendor.
There are over 400 approved licensed vendors throughout the state and country. If you are unable to find product offerings from licensees that fulfill your needs, contact licensing@uiowa.edu.
Step 2: Create your artwork
Work with your vendor and their product templates to develop artwork that uses official brand assets and follows brand guidelines. Use approved logos and trademarks, and include the correct ® or ™ symbol.
Review merchandise guidelines for artwork examples that meet brand guidelines:
Contact your unit brand manager or osc-brand@uiowa.edu for additional guidance on artwork development.
Licensed vendors must independently submit a proof of the item and artwork to Trademark Licensing for approval.
Most submissions are reviewed within a few business days. Timelines may be longer if revisions are required and additional stakeholders need to review. Your vendor will be notified of any needed changes.
Step 3: Submit agreement form
Once artwork has been supplied by the vendor and approved, you will receive a notification email from Trademark Licensing to complete the Internal Application and Agreement form via Universal Workflow.
Step 4: Receive final approval
If the application and artwork are approved, the UI Trademark Licensing Office will provide final agreement and notify the vendor that production can begin.
The federal trademark registration symbol ®️ must appear with the block IOWA logo on all promotional merchandise and apparel.
Developing artwork? Be sure your design meets brand guidelines
Academic units and programs
Branded merchandise produced and ordered by units should be an official representation of your unit or program. A flexible framework provides four basic options for units to follow. Work within this framework to ensure your merchandise will meet brand guidelines and avoid delays during the review process.
Student organizations
Student organizations offer valuable engagement opportunities and can establish unique graphics to represent themselves. Follow student organization merchandise guidelines to ensure your connection to Iowa is clear for your audiences and avoid delays during the licensing review process.
Sport clubs
Sport clubs compete in athletic contests against other university club teams regionally and nationally. Follow the approved naming convention and use the official sport club badge to differentiate from athletic teams affiliated with the Department of Athletics.
The Merchandise Storefront makes it easy.
A merchandise storefront is available for units and employees to order unit-specific brand items in bulk or for personal needs. The storefront offers a variety of apparel, accessories, and drinkware with the ability to customize items with your unit lockup. HawkID login is required, and accepted payment methods include university procurement cards, purchase orders, or personal credit cards.