Guidelines

The use of any trademark that identifies, or is associated with, Indiana State University may not be used without the prior expressed written authorization of Indiana State University (represented by University Marketing), and is subject to the licensing requirements of these guidelines.

Design Guidelines for Departments

• The University logo, leaf, stripped leaf, STATE, Sycamores (athletic logo), and Sycamore Sam mascot mark will be approved for use. Fonts associated with Athletics are reserved for use by the Athletics department only and their approved sponsors.
• Use of an official unit signature (or merchandise mark) is required. Click here for email signature template.
• The logos cannot be altered, tampered with, modified, incorporated into other marks, or overprinted with other words or design elements.
• Schools, Colleges and Departments names should be separate and apart from sponsors’ names and logos.
• Use of a current student athlete’s name on commercial merchandise is a violation of NCAA rules and may result in the student athlete being declared ineligible. Any use of a student athlete’s name, nickname, or picture must be approved.
• Design cannot use trademarks from other entities or derivatives of those marks.
• No use of the university’s name or logo may be approved in connection with promotion of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs or in connection with pornography or other forms of expression limited by law.
• The design of apparel and certain promotional products must be specific to the School/College/Dept. and/or event in order to limit commercial appeal and minimize the cannibalism of the existing retail market.

Merchandise Marks and Small Imprints

• A merchandise mark is an alternate version of a unit signature, for use on internal and promotional goods with restrictive imprint requirements. The proportional relationship between the stacked ISU logo and the unit name is adjusted, and the university wordmark is removed.
• Unit names may also be simplified as appropriate. These marks are intended for use only when a standard unit signature cannot be reproduced effectively due to size or application restrictions.
• Licensees who feel that a merchandise mark is necessary should submit a request, including item imprint specifications. Licensees may not alter unit signature artwork — only original files provided by University Marketing are acceptable for use.
• Some items have extra-small imprint areas that will not accommodate either a standard unit signature or a merchandise mark (e.g. writing pens, lapel pins, USB drives, etc.). The University leaf logo may be used without text on these items, but royalties may apply to internal and promotional goods. Alternatively, the university or unit name may be used without the logo.

Licensed Vendors

Only an officially licensed vendor may produce merchandise bearing the university trademarks. Search for an Indiana State University's licensed vendor by clicking here.

A license must be obtained by any company or individual creating merchandise for sale or distribution, which uses any university trademark.

Separate and Apart

Separate and Apart refers to the practice of keeping protected marks away from conflicting marks and/or names to preserve Indiana State University trademarks and uphold a clear visual identity system. On promotional and internal goods, approved university and unit signatures are required. The university and unit signature must be kept separate and apart from any other graphics.

Adherence to this rule requires that an item have two different imprint locations or allow for enough clear space so as to protect the marks. Items with only one imprint area (e.g. keychains, pens, etc.) must include a university or unit signature, but cannot include both a unit/university name and a graphic.

CLPA Hangtag/Label

All licensed vendors are required to identify their product with the "Collegiate Licensed Product" label. This label designates that the product has been manufactured in accordance with Indiana State University’s standards.

Code of Conduct

All licensed vendors are required to uphold the University’s Code of Conduct. Indiana State University adopted a Code of Conduct designed to ensure that products bearing the University’s brand are produced under safe and fair working conditions. As a means of implementing the code and ensuring, to the degree possible, compliance with the workplace standards that are part of that code, the University has affiliated with the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). The University’s Code summarizes the requirements of the WRC Code of Conduct, which clearly details monitoring, enforcement and inspection requirements of licensees’ factories.

Sponsorships

Outside organizations are often interested in being affiliated with Indiana State University because of the value and goodwill that exist in the University’s brand. The University must protect the integrity of its brand by monitoring and controlling any activity associating an outside organization with the University, and ensure the University receives appropriate consideration for the use of its brand. Below are guidelines for the use of the Indiana State University brand - word marks, trademarks, logos, and/or symbols - in conjunction with third-party partnerships or sponsorships:

Athletics Sponsorships

• Indiana State University athletic marks may only be used in partnerships approved by the Athletic Department. If you are a business that wishes to use the Indiana State University Athletics’ brand in association with your organization, please contact Christina.Lee@indstate.edu.

Merchandise

• Only approved sponsors who have contract rights to use the University’s brand on merchandise may do so.
• Merchandise produced in conjunction with a sponsorship/partnership must be produced by a licensed vendor and is subject to the standard licensing approval process and University Brand Standards.
• Merchandise is subject to royalties unless otherwise noted by the University Marketing.

Logo Usage for Approved Sponsor

• The University Leaf logo, Sycamore Sam, and University Seal may not be used in any sponsorships/partnerships.
• The University’s brand may not be used in conjunction with activities promoting alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, sexually-oriented products, religious products, bathroom articles, or games of chance.
• The University’s brand must be clearly separate from the name, logo, web addresses, or taglines of the sponsor (e.g. front and back, opposite sleeves, separate panels).
• The merchandise must clearly state “Official Sponsor of Indiana State University” or “Official Sponsor of Indiana State University Athletics”.

Printed Materials

Use of Indiana State University’s brand on printed materials is subject to approval by the University Marketing office. Submission should be sent to ISU-Marketing@indstate.edu.

Endorsement

The University brand should not be used in association with or in advertising or promotion of a business or used in a manner that might associate or imply endorsements by the University without proper authorization. In most instances, the right to associate one’s business with the University is reserved to its sponsors and key donors, and even then, is limited in application. If approval is granted, a royalty or usage fee will be assessed. Permission is typically granted for a specified length of time and is not open-ended. University Marketing must approve all merchandise produced by sponsors.

Unapproved Associations

The University’s brand may not be used in the promotion of or in association with weapons, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, controlled substances, drug-related paraphernalia, feminine hygiene products, sex aids, prophylactics, gambling (other than the state lottery) or products or services that are religious or political in nature. The University reserves the right to prohibit other uses that it deems inappropriate or inconsistent with the image and mission of an educational institution.

The university will not tolerate the use of its name or trademarks with text or graphics that are judged to be sexually suggestive, profane, racist or sexist or intimidating or derisive of any individual, group, business or institution, including other colleges or universities or that infringes upon the trademark or copyright of a third party.

Infringements

Merchandise bearing the University’s brand and/or services without proper written University authorization may be considered counterfeit or infringing and subject to all available legal remedies, including, but not limited to, seizure of the merchandise and injunctive relief.

Logos

University logos should not be altered in any fashion. For further information, see the Indiana State University Brand Toolbox or contact us at ISU-Marketing@indstate.edu.

Use of Third Party Logos or Quotes

Prior to using third party logos, derivatives of third party logos, or quotes on Indiana State University branded merchandise, University Marketing must receive written permission from the third party granting approval to use their logo and/or quote on products. Once the permission is granted from the third party, University Marketing will determine if the association with the third party is approved.

University Contracts

When negotiating University contracts with third party vendors, any reference to the use of the University's brand by the third party must be reviewed and approved by General Counsel prior to execution of the contract. 

Use of the Academic Seal

Indiana State University’s seal is the most official and honored mark of State. The seal should be used by the President’s Office for ceremonial purposes and official documents —including diplomas, presidential and trustee materials, legal and official university documentation and the highest awards and certificates. Additionally, the seal may be used for formal occasions or on items of distinction —including commencement items, high-end gifts, and university chairs. To be considered as an item of distinction, the item must have retail value of at least seventy-five dollars.

Since the seal is meant for formal use, no other graphic elements shall compete with it so its detailed illustrations can be used to the greatest effect. University Marketing can help determine if an item is appropriate for use of the seal.

Sourcing Policy

The use of any trademark that identifies, or is associated with, Indiana State University may not be used without the prior expressed written authorization of Indiana State University (represented by the University Marketing). Only an officially licensed vendor may produce merchandise bearing the University’s trademarks and is subject to the following sourcing requirements:

• Licensee shall strictly comply with and conform to the University’s Code of Conduct in the manufacture, distribution and sale of the licensed merchandise.
• Licensee agrees to disclose to Indiana State University all of the factory names and locations where the licensed merchandise is manufactured.
• Licensee acknowledges that Miami University has affiliated with the Workers Rights Consortium (WRC), and licensee must abide by the terms and conditions of the WRC.
• Any Indiana State University licensee that sources, produces or purchases products in Bangladesh must be a member of the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh or the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety.
• Licensee must source (i.e. produce and/or purchase) all licensed product themselves. For example, a licensed vendor cannot accept blank product from a University Department, Student Organization, or Club Sport to embellish.

Student Athlete Policy

Any and all uses of the names, numbers, and/or images of  Indiana State Sycamore student athletes must comply with University policies and NCAA regulations. Questions should be directed to University Marketing who will consult as appropriate with Indiana State Sycamore Athletics.