University Trademarks

A trademark is a word, symbol, or design - or a combination of these - which distinguishes the goods and/or services of one party from those of another. A service mark is the same as a trademark except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product.

Common MSU trademarks include the official University logotype, Contemporary Spartan Helmet, Sparty Mascot (full-length), Block S, Spartan Football Helmet, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, MICHIGAN STATE, MSU, MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS, SPARTANS, STATE, and GO GREEN/GO WHITE. Michigan State University is also known as Michigan State, MSU, and State.

The MSU trademarks are the exclusive property of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. They are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Michigan Secretary of State.

Proper trademark use protects and promotes the reputation of the University. It is the responsibility of the entire University community to properly apply the trademarks of the University to materials disseminated externally. It is specifically the responsibility of the licensing office to protect and promote the trademarks in the commercial marketplace. By purchasing only licensed products and by following proper trademark use, we are protecting MSU trademarks from possible dilution and enhancing the image of a world class educational institution.