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Licensing and Trademark

Student Licensing Information

Guidelines

1. The university may be referred to by the following verbiage:
   Virginia Tech®
   Hokies®
   Virginia Tech Hokies®
   Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University®
2. Other trademarks that may be used:
   The Hokie Bird
   The University Shield
   The University Seal The Athletic VT
3. The University Seal and the University Shield have protected areas. No lines, words, or artwork may overlap or intersect these marks, and no changes are allowed in these designs.
4. The following marks are not acceptable in referring to the university graphically or editorially:VPI, Va (or VA) Tech, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
5. The ® designation must be used in conjunction with all university marks.
6. The official Virginia Tech colors are maroon (PMS 208) and orange (PMS 165 or 158).
7. Virginia Tech marks may not be used in conjunction with other trademarks or registered marks without written permission from the owner of the mark. If you have questions on the status of a mark, please contact the Licensing Office for assistance in determining proprietary rights. (Example, using Virginia Tech with the Nike slogan "Just Do It," or using VT with UVA.)
8. Virginia Tech marks may not be used in conjunction with references to alcohol or drugs. In addition, any use of university trademarks that is in poor taste is not allowed.
9. Royalties are usually waived for items produced exclusively for a specific club, organization, or department when the design bears the name of the group and the products are being sold to the membership at cost. Items bearing generic designs which are being sold as fund-raisers are subject to standard royalty rates. A determination on royalty rates will be made on a case by case basis by the Licensing Office.
10. University departments, colleges, and organizations must obtain written permission from the Licensing Office to use Virginia Tech marks. Examples of this include, but are not limited to: pens, notebooks, caps, shirts, jackets, glassware, pins, key rings, etc. The approval letter should be submitted to the vendor printing the item as approval for them to produce Virginia Tech marks and inform them of royalty requirements.
11. Only licensed vendors may produce items bearing university trademarks.
12. Students
    Approval Process for T-Shirts (and other commercial-type items)
    Designs must be submitted to LTA for written approval through a licensed vendor or e-mail the artwork.

 Top Ten Ways to NOT get your student art approved

10. Put the Hokie Bird in a compromising position.
The Hokie Bird represents Virginia Tech, just like all our logos, and should always be used with the taste and dignity that befits Virginia Tech. Art containing vulgar or questionable representations of the Hokie Bird will not be approved.

9. Use some @#(&$*& vulgarity!
No vulgarity may be used on any product with any Virginia Tech trademark or logo, nor may any language or images of questionable taste be used with them. The issue of taste will be determined by the Virginia Tech Licensing Office.

8. Leave out that pesky ® mark.
That ® mark might seem small to you, but it's very important. It says to the world, "Hey, this is a trademarked image and you need to ask to use it first." Please make sure not to accidentally exclude it while designing your art for submission.

7. Ask to put it on a shot glass or a beer mug.
NO SHOT GLASSES OR BEER MUGS. Don't even ask; they will not be considered.

6. Obscure the logo. Or better yet just cover it up or change it completely.
Any Virginia Tech logo needs to be unaltered (except for size or left or right orientation of the Hokie Bird). When used in art, logos shouldn't be covered up or obscured in any way.

5. Booze that bird! Associate him with drugs, sex, or alcohol.
Hey! The Hokie Bird is a pretty cool guy, but he's also a teetotaler. No references to drugs, sex, or alcohol can be used in conjunction with him or any other Virginia Tech logo.

4. Use Nike or UVa's logo without asking. (Or anyone else's for that matter.)
Just like you have to ask for permission to use the Virginia Tech logo on your product, you also need to ask permission of Nike to use their logo, or Reebok, or UVA, or whatever other company or college you're interested in pairing up with the Virginia Tech logos. It's best not to pair them up, but if you need to, be sure to get permission from all involved companies first. Call our office first we'll even get the applications for you.

3. Royalties? What're those?
Never assume that because you're a student organization that you'll be royalty free. Some are, but by no means all. Ask our office about waivers and royalty rates.

2. Don't use a local vendor.
Only Virginia Tech approved vendors and licensees may be used to produce and sell your products. If in doubt, ask our office we'll be glad to help you; that's what we're here for.

1. Do it without asking.
Always ask first! Our office is here to aid you, and we're readily available to do just that. Check with us before starting production on any tee shirts or other products you might want to sell through your organization. Chances are, you'll be approved. However, if you simply go forward without checking with us, you could face penalties and will certainly be unable to keep selling your product. It's worth the five minutes it takes to drop by our officewe're always willing to schedule appointments around your class schedule.You can contact us at any time by phone or e-mail.

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