University Policies
Policy Contact
For inquiries regarding the use of the Brown Trademarks: Office of University Communications Email 401-863-6262
For inquiries regarding Licensing for manufactured goods or products: Brown University Bookstore Email 401-863-3168

Brown Name Use, Trademark and Licensing Policy

Policy No. Issue Date Effective Date
01.25.05

1.0 Policy Purpose

Brown University’s Name(s), Logos, Affinity Marks, Iconic Images, insignias, seals, symbols, design elements, and other marks (“Trademarks”) are uniquely associated with its distinctive brand of academic excellence and its reputation as a leading academic and research institution. These Trademarks are valuable assets of the University and are protected by trademark law. This policy establishes the requirements, principles, and associated responsibilities for protecting the integrity of the University’s Trademarks and identifying, regulating, and managing the manner in which they are used and licensed by Members of the Brown Community and others.

2.0 To Whom the Policy Applies

This policy applies to Members of the Brown Community, University Units, Athletics Teams, Student Organizations, alumni, and Alumni Groups, as well as External Third Parties and other individuals and entities external to the University, that seek to use or license the Trademarks (collectively called “Trademark Users”).

3.0 Policy Statement

Brown University owns and controls its Trademarks. The University oversees the proper use and licensing of its Trademarks to protect the Trademarks under applicable law and to ensure the following:

  • that all use of the Trademarks, including internal use, is aligned with the University’s mission and goals;
  • that the Trademarks are licensed to be used only on products and services with which the University has chosen to be identified and that align with the mission of the University;
  • that use of the Brown name and other Trademarks accurately represents the University, its activities, programs, and affiliations;
  • that the University prevents misleading or inaccurate portrayals of its relationship to individuals and external entities and their activities, products, and/or services; and
  • that appropriate arrangements have been made regarding use of any of the Trademarks and licensing income, if any, deriving from such use.

Except as expressly provided under this policy, this policy conveys no license, implied or otherwise, to the Trademarks. No Trademark Users may claim ownership rights in or seek to register federally or internationally any design that uses the Trademarks without the prior written consent of the President of Brown, the President’s designee, the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration or the Office of University Communications.

In addition, all External Third Parties with relationships with or to the University must have written permission to use Brown’s Trademarks to represent their relationships involving Brown, as outlined in this policy.

Brown University retains all rights to its name, logo and marks, independent of their use by Trademark Users.

Both in keeping with Brown’s educational mission and also as a nonprofit, private institution of higher education, the University is limited in the activities it can engage in on behalf of commercial or for-profit entities or enterprises. Members of the Brown Community cannot use the Brown name or other Trademarks to endorse or advocate for non-Brown affiliated, for-profit businesses or operations in the context of Brown’s non-profit academic and administrative operations.

3.1 Governance of New Trademarks and Affinity Marks

Creation, adoption, and use of any Trademarks must conform to standards approved and authorized by the Office of University Communications and as outlined in Brown’s Visual Identity Policy and Strategy. Brown has established logos for University Units. These “Affinity Marks,” which are among Brown’s Trademarks, have been approved by the Office of University Communications as officially representing University Units and identifying them as being part of Brown.

Trademarks may not be altered in any way, and new Brown marks may not be created unless the Office of University Communications, in consultation with the Office of the President or Provost and the Office of the General Counsel, determines that new marks should be created. All requests to alter marks or create new ones must be approved by the Office of University Communications. 

All approved and appropriate uses of Brown Trademarks on products must incorporate the appropriate trademark designation symbols of either ™ for unregistered Trademarks and ® for registered trademarks.

3.1.1 Rules and Procedures for University Unit Affinity Marks

Individual University Units may implement rules and procedures consistent with this policy to govern the use of that University Unit’s Affinity Marks. Any use of Affinity Marks must be related to a Brown purpose, and all University Unit rules and procedures are supplemental to and not in lieu of this policy. To the extent any rules or procedures conflict with this policy, this policy will govern. Any person or entity wishing to use an Affinity Mark must consult the respective University Unit for rules and procedures specific to the Affinity Mark before using the Affinity Mark. See the Related Policies section of this policy for academic and administrative unit logo policies and procedures available online, and contact other University Units directly for those not posted.

3.1.2 Obtaining Correct Logo Files

The use of all logo files must comply with the most up-to-date, digital-ready Brown logo files provided by the University. To ensure alignment with Brown’s current visual identity, Members of the Brown Community must download the correct logo files from Brown’s secure website. (Authentication with Brown University username and password is required to secure legitimate logo files.)

3.2 Use of Brown Trademarks

The Trademarks cannot be used in any manner that suggests or implies the endorsement, approval, or sponsorship by the University or any University Unit of any products, activities, services, projects, points of view, or endeavors of any other organization without the prior written consent of the appropriate University Unit, except as otherwise provided under this policy. Trademark Users cannot use Trademarks or authorize any other individual to use Trademarks on any social media platform, merchandise, item, publication, or publicity materials for personal use or for activities not officially affiliated with Brown, or for any business, organization, project, event, or program that is personally affiliated or not officially or formally affiliated with Brown.

Members of the Brown Community and alumni who need to identify their title or status at or in relation to Brown (e.g., professor, graduate student, alum of a certain class year) may use only the University’s Name in relation to any activities in which the University is not directly involved, and only as a factual reference in the context of written or oral communications. Trademark Users may not use the Trademarks in relation to these activities without prior written approval from the appropriate University Unit, and Trademark users in relation to these activities may not affix the Trademark to manufactured goods without a license (see section 3.4 Licensing for Manufactured Goods and Products for Sale or Give-Away).

Trademark Users may not use the Trademarks in a manner that may be perceived or misunderstood as University endorsement, approval, or sponsorship, or cause others to infer or imply that the University endorses, approves, or sponsors an activity if the University is not directly involved in the activity. The University reserves the right in its sole discretion to deny any request to use any of the Trademarks.

3.2.1 University Units

The Trademarks, including Affinity Marks, can be used by University Units without prior approval from the Office of University Communications in the usual and ordinary conduct of University operations as needed (e.g., on letterhead, on documents regarding University business, in email signatures, etc.). A University Unit may use or authorize others to use that University Unit’s specific Affinity Marks outside the usual and ordinary conduct of University business only with prior written approval from the Office of University Communications. The University Unit is not authorized to permit others to use the Affinity Marks of any other University Unit. University Units may use the Trademarks in relation to University-sponsored activities and collaborative efforts between the University and External Third Parties only in accordance with this policy (see section 3.3).

3.2.2 Members of the Brown Community and Alumni

Individual Members of the Brown Community may use the Trademarks in the ordinary course of University operations and for the specific purpose of executing their official job responsibilities for the University. For example, Members of the Brown Community may use Trademarks in Brown-related print, digital, or news media; in communications and marketing directly related to the University and University activities; and for academic and administrative programs, events, and activities hosted, supported, sponsored or otherwise affiliated with Brown. Brown alumni may likewise use the Trademarks in communications and marketing directly related to the University, University-sponsored activities, and their responsibilities directly related to activities hosted, supported, or sponsored by or otherwise affiliated with Brown. Members of the Brown Community and alumni cannot use Trademarks or authorize any other individual to use Trademarks on any social media platform, merchandise, item, publication, or publicity materials that are personal or not officially or formally affiliated with Brown.

3.2.3 Athletics and Recreation

All Athletics Teams may use Trademarks in relation to University-sponsored activities. Athletics Trademarks associated with Brown Athletics or Athletics Teams are managed through the University’s designated licensing agent. All goods or products that display Trademarks must be produced and/or sold only by licensed vendors as set forth in section 3.4. Use of Trademarks or Brown’s name by student-athletes at Brown is governed by the Brown University Student-Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Policy.

3.2.4 Student Organizations and Alumni Groups

Use of the University’s name as part of the name of a Student Organization must be approved in writing by the Student Activities Office or the University Unit that oversees a Student Organization. Use of the University’s name as part of the name of an Alumni Group must be approved in writing by the Office of Alumni Relations. Consideration will be given only to Student Organizations or Alumni Groups registered and approved in accordance with the policies, practices, and procedures of the University and the Student Activities Office, relevant University Unit, or the Office of Alumni Relations.

If approved, the name of any new Student Organization will be “____________________ at Brown University.” Except for the University’s name as it is used in the Student Organization or Alumni Group’s name, no Student Organization or Alumni Group may use any of the Trademarks in any Student Organization or Alumni Group’s name or logo, or on merchandise or products manufactured, distributed, or sold by or for the Student Organization or Alumni Group without the prior written permission of the Student Activities Office, the University Unit that oversees the Student Organization, or the Office of Alumni Relations. No Student Organization or alumni group — whether or not the Student Organization or Alumni Group is a duly registered organization that has been approved to use the University’s name — may use the University name or other Trademarks in any manner to incorporate or apply for tax-exempt status. Student Organizations and Alumni Groups may use only the University’s name (but not its Logos or Affinity Marks) in association with activities and events in which the University is not directly involved for factual purposes in the context of written or oral communications, and only to identify themselves in a manner that does not imply or lead others to infer that the University endorses, sponsors, or approves the activity or event. Students may not, either individually or on behalf of a Student Organization, nor may alumni, either individually or on behalf of an Alumni Group, use or authorize for use the Trademarks on any merchandise, items, publications or publicity materials for any purpose without the prior written permission of the appropriate office referenced in this policy.

3.2.5 Vendors on Behalf of Members of the Brown Community or University Units

University Units may permit non-Brown vendors or contracted individuals to use the Trademarks when needed to perform work under the relevant vendor agreement or contract with Brown and when the deliverable with the Trademark will be owned by Brown. For example, University Units may permit non-Brown vendors or contracted individuals to use the Trademarks on, in, or for curricular or extracurricular materials, facilities, signage, communications, marketing and publicity, presentations, and other works that are the subject of the relevant vendor agreement or contract with Brown. In all cases, a signed contract executed by the authorized signatory at Brown must be in place. Work product bearing the Brown Trademarks for which an external party retains rights and ownership must be approved in accordance with this policy (see section 3.3).

3.2.6 Websites, Domain Names, and Applications

No Trademark Users may register a domain name that incorporates the Brown name. Student Organizations and Alumni Groups with the word “Brown” in the name must include conspicuously on the Student Organization’s or Alumni Group’s home page, all landing pages of any websites, and on all forms of social media, the actual name of the Student Organization or Alumni Group and a notation that it is a Student Organization or an Alumni Group.

3.3 Use of Brown Trademarks by External Third Parties

University Units may grant permission for an External Third Party to use the Trademarks to accurately reflect the University’s relationship with that External Third Party. In all cases, the following principles apply to any uses of the Trademarks by External Third Parties:

  • Use of the Trademarks reflects a University-approved relationship with Brown, including relationships with Brown on behalf of a University Unit or Athletics Team.
  • Use of Trademarks or Brown’s name by student-athletes at Brown is governed by the Brown University Student-Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Policy.
  • Use of the Trademarks is specific to the purpose, program, activity, contract, or relationship. Permissions for External Third Parties to use the Brown name or other Trademarks must be in writing and explicit as to the permitted use.
  • Use of the Trademarks by the External Third Party must be specific to the Name, Logo, Affinity Mark, or other Trademark related to the approved relationship (e.g., the Affinity Mark of the University Unit involved in the relationship with the External Third Party).
  • Use of the Trademarks by an External Third Party does not give the External Third Party unlimited rights to the Trademarks or Brown’s name for its purposes or any other purpose not explicitly set forth in writing (e.g., permission to use the Trademarks cannot be granted “without exclusions”).
  • Use of the Trademarks by an External Third Party may be for the duration of an affiliated program or activity, provided that the specific use has been contractually defined in writing. Language referring to use for the life or duration of a relationship, program, or activity must be specific to the particular program or activity.
  • Use of the Trademarks by External Third Parties for programs and initiatives that are, are intended to be, or may be revenue producing is permitted only with written approval from the Provost and the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration.
  • Use of the Trademarks by External Third Parties cannot indicate or imply that Brown or a University Unit endorses or approves that External Third Party or any of its activities, products, services or points of view.
  • Use of the Trademarks by an External Third Party related to Brown’s purchase of goods or services must be memorialized in writing and reviewed by the University Unit in accordance with the University’s contract review and management process.
  • Use of the Brown Trademarks must be subject to written conditions under which the University Unit must review and approve content to ensure compliance with this policy (see section 3.3.4).

3.3.1 Sponsored Research, Tech Transfer, and Intellectual Property

Contractual research agreements between Brown and any funding agency or entity including but not limited to federal, governmental, international, private, or corporate sponsors, must include standard University- or University-Unit-approved language governing the use of the Trademarks. This language will be subject to appropriate and necessary alterations to be approved by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR). OVPR may use or authorize others to use the Trademarks in connection with funding agencies or entities only in accordance with this policy and with the prior written approval of the Provost and/or the University Unit. The use of the Trademarks is only permitted for inventions, technology, or early-stage commercial ventures for which there is a written agreement with Brown that includes approved language governing the use of the Trademarks. University Units may use or authorize others to use the Trademarks in connection with Brown-owned intellectual property only in accordance with this policy and with the written approval of the Provost or OVPR.

3.3.2 Collaborative Efforts, Conferences, and Events

University Units may use or authorize the use of the Trademarks in connection with collaborative efforts, activities, conferences, and events in the usual and ordinary conduct of University business as needed. No external individual or person may use the Trademarks in any circumstance where a conference or event is taking place on the University’s campus and is not sponsored by the University, except that the University’s name may be used solely for identifying the location of the conference or event provided. Where approved to use the Trademarks in conjunction with another party’s trademarks, Trademarks must not be more conspicuous in placement or otherwise draw special attention or take precedence over the other entity’s name and/or trademark, except in instances where the University is the primary sponsor of an activity or event. In the event of co-sponsored activities or events, the Trademarks must not be overshadowed or diminished by the other entity’s name and/or trademarks. The Trademarks and the other entity’s trademarks must be distinct and separate from each other in accordance with the Brown University Visual Identity Policy and Strategy. Prior written approval from the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration or the Office of the Provost is required for use of the Trademarks in any case that the use is in relation to activities or events that are revenue-producing for Brown.

3.3.3 Case Studies and Testimonials

Testimonials about goods, products, or services that use the University’s Trademarks must be approved in writing by the Office of University Communications prior to publishing. Testimonials that use the University’s Trademarks must be written such that they cannot be understood to be endorsements by Brown of a product, service, or organization. For example, testimonials cannot include value statements, praise, or ratings of the vendor, service, or product. This applies whether the content is intended for an external entity’s client or customer portfolio, meetings, or public consumption. Testimonials must describe the factual nature of the relationship between the University and the product or service. These may include comments on the features that determined the selection of the vendor, product or service, how it was used, and the extent to which it met the goals. Testimonials that use the University’s Trademarks must not make claims or guarantees of quality or performance. Case studies and testimonials should be offered only for vendors that have a contractual relationship with Brown and with the consultation of Brown’s Office of Strategic Procurement and Contracts upon the completion of a vendor relationship or delivery of a product or service to ensure that the Brown user of that service is sufficiently satisfied with the product or service delivery before offering the use of Trademarks as a satisfied client of that product or service. The University Unit is responsible for approving the final copy and terms of distribution or dissemination of the case study or testimonial, including ensuring the integrity and accuracy of all content.

3.3.4 Marketing for External Third Parties

The University Unit is responsible for providing permission in advance and in writing for third-party use of Brown’s Trademarks in marketing materials reflecting a relationship with an External Third Party, whether for one-time use or through an agreement establishing parameters for ongoing use. Any description of Brown’s relationship with the External Third Party (or any description of Brown’s use of the External Third Party’s services, goods, or programs) appearing in any print, online, social, digital, or other electronic media require review and approval by the relevant University Unit. The University Unit is responsible for ensuring alignment with this policy, including ensuring that representations of and about Brown accurately reflect the relationship between the University Unit and the External Third Party.

At the discretion of the University Unit, the External Third Party may be granted permission to include Brown on client lists for agreed-upon and approved relationships without the University Unit’s prior review, with the requirement that Brown’s name must appear with (e.g., on the same page as) language that accurately describes the relationship (e.g., whether Brown is a client, partner, sponsor, etc.).

3.3.4.1 General Conditions for External Third-Party Marketing

Language granting approval for use of the Trademarks by External Third Parties in marketing must state explicitly that permission is granted “in accordance with the Brown Name Use, Trademark and Licensing Policy.”

Additionally, any agreement including language granting approval for use of Trademarks must incorporate these provisions:

  • Brown University retains all rights to and ownership of its name and Trademarks.
  • The External Third Party may only use the specific Trademark to which the University granted permission (e.g., an External Third Party may only use the Affinity Mark associated with the University Unit with which it is engaged, unless otherwise agreed).
  • External Third Parties cannot use the Trademarks, mention Brown on their websites, or include editorial content regarding Brown, University Units, or Athletics Teams in any mass marketing materials without prior written agreement or approval from the University Unit, which may grant such approval in accordance with this policy.
  • Other than a listing of the University’s name in a client list (see above), the University Unit must either 1) review and approve any print or digital copy that mentions Brown before it proceeds to any new or further publication (including body content, headlines and captions), or 2) establish by written agreement Brown’s standard, approved language that accurately represents the relationship with Brown and/or the University Unit.
  • The External Third Party may use the Trademarks to represent Brown’s status as a client, provided that Brown’s name appears reasonably adjacent to (e.g., on the same page as) language that accurately describes the relationship (e.g., whether Brown is a client, collaborator, sponsor, etc.)
  • When mentioning Brown in narrative or editorial content, External Third Party must refer to the specific project or relationship with the University and describe the relationship only in a factual manner. For example, materials may state, “Smith Co. has designed John Doe dorm for Facilities Management at Brown University,” “Smith Co. Supplies Parts to Brown University,” or “Smith Co. worked with Brown Facilities Management.” Materials cannot state, “Brown University teams up with Smith,” “Brown University has partnered with Smith,” “Brown University uses Smith,” or “Brown University favors Smith.”

3.3.5 Iconic Images and Photography

Iconic Images showing historic elements of the University’s physical campus are considered representative images of Brown and are subject to this policy. Iconic Images owned by an External Third Party that are to be sold or used for business or profit are subject to the University’s Trademark Licensing program (see Section 3.4). In addition, the following conditions apply:

  • External Third Parties must follow and comply with the University’s Image Use Policy for motion and still photography.
  • Photographers or their contract employees wishing to capture images of the University for promotional or publicity purposes must receive written agreement from Brown for the specific intended use. Permission to capture images does not constitute approval of their use, which is subject to review by the University Unit granting permission.
  • Iconic Images constitute long-established representations of Brown and cannot be photographed for any External Third-Party marketing materials.

3.3.6 Brown Facilities

External Third Parties contracting with Brown to use Brown-owned or controlled facilities as a location for non-Brown activities through the Use of Campus Space by External Third Parties policy cannot use the Trademarks in their materials without express written permission from Brown’s Office of Event Strategy and Management. Marketing materials must make it clear that the External Third Party is the sponsor or organizer of the event. The External Third Party’s logo and/or group name should be prevalent throughout the materials. References to Brown are restricted to indicating that the event is happening at the University.

The External Third Party must follow the below requirements for marketing materials:

  • The External Third Party’s contact information must be prevalent in all marketing materials. Brown’s contact information cannot be included in materials without prior written approval from Brown’s Office of Event Strategy and Management.
  • Links and references to Brown University website(s) may be used only to inform readers about the campus or area where the event will be taking place (i.e., driving directions, general information, etc.). They cannot be a source of information for the event.
  • Language and/or titles that are similar to pre-existing Brown University entities or events are not allowed without prior written approval from Brown.
  • Visual images of Brown cannot be prominent in the External Third Party’s marketing materials. The content and purpose of the External Third Party’s event or meeting must remain the focus throughout the marketing materials, not the location where the event is taking place.
  • All External Third Party photo and video shoots at Brown University must be approved in writing by the Office of University Communications prior to groups coming to campus.
  • The External Third Party is responsible for ensuring that all materials for the relevant event at Brown adhere to laws and statutes governing privacy, copyright, and trademarks.

3.4 Licensing for Manufactured Goods and Products for Sale or Give-Away

Licensing for manufactured goods and products for sale or give-away is managed by the Brown University Bookstore in partnership with the University’s designated Licensing agent, CLC Learfield, IMG College. The use of the Trademarks is authorized for licensed products that promote, enhance, and elevate the image of Brown University on high quality merchandise. All authorized suppliers that manufacture products imprinted with the Trademarks are required to have a License from the University for such Trademarks, regardless of whether or not the products will be sold, distributed for give-away free of charge, or used internally by the University or any of the Trademark Users. Only appropriately licensed suppliers (licensees) may reproduce the Trademarks and can do so only in accordance with the relevant license. Licensees’ use of licensed Trademarks must be in accordance with specific terms, conditions, and guidelines established by the University’s designated Licensing agent, CLC Learfield, IMG College, and all licensed products must include an “officially licensed” hangtag or label.

Brown prohibits products bearing its Trademarks from being manufactured in abusive or unfair labor conditions. Licensees must adhere to the University’s Workplace Code of Conduct for Licensees in the manufacture of those products and must submit royalty reports to the University on a regular basis.

3.5 Unallowable Uses of Brown Trademarks

The Trademarks may not be used in any manner that discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law and caste which is protected under this policy or other protected categories; that infringes the copyright, trademark, or other proprietary right of another; that is libelous; that invades protected rights of any other person; or that is for false advertisement or professional misconduct. Trademarks cannot be used in any manner that violates Brown’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.

The Trademarks are not permitted to be used on products or in relation to activities that are deemed to be improper, dangerous, or discriminatory by or under the sole discretion of the University. These include, but are not limited to, products that are intended to injure or kill; products related to illegal activities; products or language that are sexually suggestive; products that present an unacceptable risk to Brown; and products that are harmful to the mission or image of the University.

3.6 Supplemental Rules and Procedures

Individual University Units may implement rules or procedures consistent with this policy to govern the use of that University Unit’s Affinity Marks. All such rules and procedures shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of this policy, and to the extent any rules or procedures conflict with this policy, this policy will govern.

3.7 Unauthorized Use of Trademarks by Third Parties

The University will review any potential unauthorized use of Trademarks and take commensurate action if and as necessary.

4.0 Definitions

Affinity Mark: A Logo that includes the Brown Coat of Arms with or without the BROWN wordmark for a University Unit that represents that the Unit is part of Brown. Affinity Marks have been approved by the Office of University Communications as officially representing affiliated Units as being part of Brown.

Alumni Group: University-approved regional Brown University clubs, class-based groups, affinity groups (alumni with common interests, identity, and purpose), graduate and medical school alumni groups, and members of the Brown Alumni Association and Brown Alumni Association Board of Governors.

Athletics Team: An approved varsity, club, or intramural team that is registered in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the University.

External Third Party: An individual or entity who is not a Member of the Brown Community or a University Unit, as well as entities that are not a part of Brown University, including, but not limited to, external businesses, organizations, contractors, vendors, consultants, programs, freelancers, service providers, and groups and activities not recognized as part of Brown.

Iconic Images: Long-established recognizable visual representations of Brown, including the following historic elements of the physical campus: All or recognizable portions of the Van Wickle Gates, University Hall, Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center, Carrie Tower, Sayles Hall, Manning Hall, The Lindemann Performing Arts Center, or Brown’s bear statues; any images that include the University logo, Coat of Arms, or Seal; and photos of the interior or exterior of any University library, which includes the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Sciences Library, John Hay Library, and John Nicholas Brown Center.

License/Licensing: Permission granted through mutually agreed to terms and conditions for a Trademark owner (licensor) to another (licensee) to use that trademark. Brown is the licensor of its Trademarks.

Logo(s): The graphic symbol or symbols made up of text and/or images that identify Brown University, as detailed in the University’s Visual Identity Policy and Strategy.

Member(s) of the Brown Community: Faculty (including instructors and visiting faculty), students (including undergraduate, medical, graduate, professional, and postdoctoral fellows and researchers), staff, and members of the Corporation of Brown University and its committees.

Student Organization: An approved group of students that is registered in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the University.

Trademark(s): Logos, affinity marks, insignias, images, seals, symbols, and design elements that are long established by use as uniquely associated with and representing Brown’s distinctive brand. The University’s Trademarks include, but are not limited to the following: the words BROWN, Brown University, Brunonian, Bruno the Bear, the official Brown seal, the Brown Coat of Arms with and without the BROWN wordmark, the Athletics B with Indominable Bear, Go Bruno, the Brown with Arch Design, the Special Brown Font Design, Ever True and Affinity Marks that include any of Brown’s Trademarks. This also includes long-established Iconic Images of Brown’s physical campus.

Trademark Users: Members of the Brown Community, University Units (academic and administrative units and programs of the University), Athletic Teams, student organizations, alumni, and alumni groups and associations, as well as External Third Parties and other individuals and entities external to the University that seek to use or license the Trademarks.

University Unit(s): Schools, divisions, departments, centers, institutes, programs, offices and recognized academic and administrative programs, activities and initiatives of Brown University.

5.0 Responsibilities

All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. University supervisors and employees with student oversight duties are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure and enforce compliance with it.

For external uses of Brown’s Trademarks, it is the responsibility of the Member of the Brown Community and/or University Unit at Brown that has the relationship with an External Third Party – and granted permission to allow the External Third Party to use Brown’s Trademarks to represent an affiliation – to monitor the use of Brown’s Trademarks to ensure compliance with this policy and the agreed-to permitted use.

Brown’s formal licensing program is administered through the Brown University Bookstore and in partnership with the University’s designated licensing agent, CLC Learfield, IMG College.

6.0 Consequences for Violating this Policy

Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures.

The unauthorized use of Brown’s Trademarks by External Third Parties or non-employees is subject to civil and criminal penalties, and Brown reserves the right to take appropriate action including, but not limited to, the confiscation of goods, financial penalties, and legal action.

7.0 Related Information

Brown University is a community in which employees are encouraged to share workplace concerns with University leadership. Additionally, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).

The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws and requirements.

7.2 Related Procedures

7.4 Frequently Asked Questions

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7.5 Other Related Information

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Policy Owner and Contact(s)

Policy Owner: Senior Vice President for Communications

Policy Approved by: President

Contact Information:

For inquiries regarding the use of the Brown Trademarks: Office of University Communications Email 401-863-6262
For inquiries regarding Licensing for manufactured goods or products: Brown University Bookstore Email 401-863-3168

Policy History

Policy Issue Date:

Policy Effective Date:

Policy Update/Review Summary:

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