MSU Trademarks

A trademark is a distinctive design, graphics, logo, symbols, words, or any combination thereof that uniquely identifies a business and/or its goods or services, guarantees the item's genuineness, and gives its owner the legal rights to prevent the trademark's unauthorized use.

Trademarks and Licensing Policy
Examples of Trademarks
MSU Trademarks
Official Colors

On June 28, 2024, the MSU Board of Trustees voted to support the transition of its policy governing endorsements, advertising and sponsorship to a university policy. An updated Endorsements, Advertising and Sponsorships (EAS) Policy, approved by the president, replaces the previous board policy.

There is also a new Trademarks and Licensing Policy, which is referenced in the EAS Policy.

Together, these policies provide guidance on safeguarding the university’s name, reputation and intellectual property as members of the university community pursue revenue-generating opportunities or other connections with individuals or entities outside the university.

The policies meet current needs and seek to provide flexibility for future considerations. By providing clear definitions, procedures and points of contact for more guidance, they also make it easier for faculty, staff and students to be in compliance.

Trademarks can be displayed in many forms. The list below pairs a type of trademark with a Michigan State example. *Note that these are not the only trademarks registered to MSU.

Word (Michigan State)
Phrase (Go Green Go White)
Symbol (Spartan Helmet logo)
Design (Sparty caricature mark)
Sound (Fight Song)
Color (Green and White)
Group of letters or numbers (MSU)

Examples of university trademarks include any graphic representation relating to the following:

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY®
MICHIGAN STATE®
MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS®
GO GREEN GO WHITE®
IZZONE™
MSU™
SPARTANS™
SPARTANS WILL.®
SPARTY®
STATE™
VICTORY FOR MSU™

Photographs and artwork bearing the university's name, logo, marks or other references to the university are covered by the licensing program, including reproduction and mass-produced artwork.

The official colors of Michigan State University are GREEN and WHITE.

For reproduction and embellishment purposes, please use the following:
- GREEN: Pantone 567C, Madeira: 1103, RA: 2734
- WHITE: Pantone WHITE, Madeira: 1000, RA: White
- SILVER: Pantone 877, Thread: Silver 31FS

Michigan State logos (shown below) may be reproduced on merchandise in the following colors: Green, White, Black or any neutral color.