Florida State University
Office of Trademark Licensing

Brand Elements

Out of all of the universities across the nation, Florida State University has one of the most iconic and unique brands. The elements included on this page are not all encompassing, but instead serve as a starting point to help understand our brand. These elements include, but are not limited to:

  • Words
  • Symbols/Logos
  • Aspects of the athletic uniforms
  • Imagery
  • The garnet and gold color scheme

Words

  • Florida State University ®
  • FSU
  • Florida State ®
  • Seminole ®
  • Seminoles ®
  • Noles ®
  • Nole TM
  • F + S
  • State
  • Fear the Spear ®
  • Unconquered ®
  • Doak Campbell Stadium
  • Doak ®
  • The Tuck
  • Dick Howser Stadium
  • The Plex
  • JoAnne Graf Field
  • Legacy Golf Course
  • Mike Long Track
  • Tully
  • Morcom Aquatics Center
  • Scott Speicher Tennis Center
  • Mike Long Track
  • Westcott
  • Vires Artes Mores
  • Strength, Skill, Character

Standard Symbols/Logos

The Seminole logo, one of the most recognizable and iconic marks in sport, is the primary representation of the brand and is used as the main identifying device for Florida State Athletics. All marks including those secondary marks used, as well as the Unconquered statue and the University seal are shown in the document below.



Youth Marks



Vintage Symbols/Logos

The University’s vintage athletic logos and wordmarks are not permitted for internal use, except for special circumstances with permission from Licensing and Athletics Executive Staff.

The University licenses these marks through a restricted program titled "College Vault" in retail channels. This program is restricted to a limited number of licensees who are only permitted to distribute the product into campus and mid-tier retail outlets.



Bobby Bowden

Florida State University has the honor of managing the name/image/likeness of Coach Bobby Bowden, alongside the Bowden Family. Requests to use his name and/or image on product must be submitted to the Office of Trademark Licensing for approval.



Aspects of the Athletic Uniforms

Tribal Pattern

In the early 1900s a new decorative technique was developed by Seminole women, now commonly known as patchwork. Early patterns included blocks and bars of alternating color with occasional sawtooth designs that were sewn directly into garments. Patchwork was rapidly adopted as a standard means of embellishing the Seminoles’ traditionally vibrant clothing. The Seminole symbols for Arrow, Man on Horse, and Fire (top to bottom, repeating) were the inspiration for this unique pattern.

The use of the tribal pattern is only permitted by the Florida State University Athletic Association.

FSU Tribal Pattern

Font and Number System

FSU Font System

FSU Number System

Helmet

Florida State’s trademark helmet is well known throughout all of college football. This design was first introduced during Bobby Bowden’s first year as head coach in 1976.

FSU Helmet

Campus Imagery and Traditions

From Westcott to Doak, from the Unconquered Statue to Landis Green, from the Tuck to Tully, from Osceola and Renegade to the Sod Cemetery. These are landmarks and traditions that are associated with Florida State University.