SEMINOLE CLUBS & CHAPTERS
Trademark Licensing Guidelines
In partnership with the Florida State University Alumni Association, the Office of Trademark Licensing wants to ensure that Seminole Club members have access to purchase product which promotes their Seminole Club or Chapter. Use of a University mark with an organization name implies association with the university. Therefore, only alumni clubs and chapters recognized by the FSU Alumni Association are allowed to use University marks in conjunction with their organization’s name. The following information should be used as a reference guide by Seminole Club and Chapters when designing graphics, marketing materials or promotional items that feature any of Florida State University’s marks. By following the guidelines outlined within this guide, you will be adhering to Florida State’s brand guidelines and representing the university in a positive light.
Club/Chapter Logos
In July of 2021, the FSU Alumni Association provided all active alumni clubs and chapters with a university-approved wordmark in order to create a more unified brand across the network of Seminole Clubs and Chapters.
When using these authorized wordmarks on promotional pieces, Seminole Clubs will not need to secure additional approval from the university on the design. However, you will still need to use a licensed vendor for your order.
Why were these wordmarks created?
By creating a consistent brand across all Seminole Clubs it ensures that there is a cohesive brand identity for all groups and when used, it’s easily recognizable that the group is an official Seminole Club.
Additionally, we were seeing clubs spend a lot of time, money, and energy creating new logos that were tending to be more of a t-shirt or graphic design instead of a logo. This will now eliminate the process of having a logo approved, and will hopefully also save the clubs money.
Can our Club/Chapter continue to use our old mark? How can Clubs and Chapters create product with a local feel?
This new policy does not prevent Seminole Clubs from creating merchandise that celebrates their hometown or region. Moving forward the official mark will need to be used somewhere on the merchandise (back neck, sleeve, within the graphic, etc.) but Seminole Clubs are still able to create unique designs.
Where should this logo be used?
Anytime you are promoting your club through the use of a logo. The logo will be displayed online, somewhere on club merchandise, through all channels of social media, and on all promotional items.
Can I adjust the logo?
The logos have been designed to meet Florida State University brand standards therefore cannot be altered. Clubs are still able to use other university marks (when the licensing process is followed) and imagery iconic to their area to promote the club; however, the logo cannot be adjusted.
Please note that if the Seminole Club/Chapter elects to create its own mark, Florida State University still maintains ownership of the mark, and all product containing the mark must be produced by a licensed vendor of the University.
Ordering Merchandise
In order to safeguard the Florida State University’s intellectual property, campus departments and recognized student organizations planning to utilize University trademarks or specific department logos for t-shirts, pens, mugs and other merchandising programs or promotions requires review and authorization from the Office of Trademark Licensing via one of the university’s authorized licensees.
The purpose of promotional merchandise created by Seminole Clubs/Chapters should be to promote the specific Club/Chapter and not to create general Florida State merchandise.
- The official Seminole Club/Chapter logo must be somewhere on the product. For instance, on a t-shirt, it could be placed on the sleeve, the back neck, or be incorporated into the main design.
- Use of trademarks or other intellectual property owned by a third party must be approved by that entity in writing and submitted to the Licensing Office along with the desired artwork. If this is not submitted with the design, the request will be denied.
- University marks cannot otherwise be altered, tampered with, modified, incorporated into other marks, or overprinted with other words or design elements.
- No representation of any Native American image or identity should be used as a part of a Seminole Club design.
Steps for Obtaining Approval on Promotional Items and/or Merchandise
- Select an officially licensed vendor from the list found here: https://licensing.fsu.edu/find-licensee
- Submit artwork/order to the licensed vendor, or work with them to create the artwork
- The licensee will do the rest!
Use of Third-Party Marks
Use of trademarks or other intellectual property owned by a third party must be approved by that entity in writing and submitted to the Licensing Office along with the desired artwork. For example, if a club or chapter wishes to use artwork, slogans, or trademarks created by someone not associated with a club, a written release allowing for such use is required before Florida State University will grant design approval.
Club Sponsors
Sponsor logos can only be used in conjunction with official club/chapter logo, and cannot be combined with standalone University trademarks (ex: The Seminole head cannot appear alongside a sponsor restaurant on a koozie).
Unauthorized Use
Please note that any use of University marks that does not comply with the University's licensing and approval requirements is unauthorized and may violate Federal and/or state laws. The University reserves the right to take appropriate action when confronted with unauthorized use of its marks.
Recommended Vendors
For a complete list of vendors, including recommendations for your organization, please visit our "Find a Licensee" page here.