Business Services
Trademark Licensing
Use of Miami Trademarks by Student Organizations and Club Sports
The name, seal, and recognized logos associated with Miami University are registered trademarks or service marks and are the exclusive property of the University. A University licensing program authorized by the Board of Trustees and administered by the Director of Business Services governs reproduction of these marks on merchandise of any kind, or for other commercial purposes.
The licensing program requires that companies wishing to produce merchandise containing University marks be licensed by the University, submit all products and artwork to the University for approval prior to production, and except where exempted in the policy, pay royalties to the University to recognize the value of the marks.
Student organizations and sports clubs often seek to use the name and/or logos of the University or affiliated organizations on various types of merchandise, for use by the group, as favors/souvenirs for their members, or for fundraising activities. While most of this usage is exempt from the payment of royalties, licensing policies require that:
the merchandise be produced only by manufacturers or suppliers licensed through the University; and,
the manufacturer or producer (licensee) must either pay the royalty or seek a specific royalty exemption on each item from the Director of Business Services; and,
artwork must be approved by the Director of Business Services prior to production.
The Miami University Product Licensing Guide provides detailed information on the licensing program and its application to student organizations. While the University does not wish to interfere with creative student activities, the University is committed to protecting its name, wordmarks, and logos, ensuring that the marks are correctly displayed and that they do not reflect unfavorably on the University in the context presented. The University is also committed to protecting the integrity of the licensing program and licensees who support it, and must expect compliance with the licensing policy from all individuals and organizations.
Student Organizations and sports clubs may not use the "RedHawk" name or logos without prior approval of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Student Organization Licensing Request Form