University Departments

Getting permission to use MSU trademarks is a simple process. Use the Campus Authorization Form to request approval. If you require assistance, contact University Trademarks and Licensing at karnett@msu.edu or by phone at 517-355-3434.

1. Complete and submit the online Campus Authorization Form to University Trademarks and Licensing for review and approval.
2. When purchasing with a purchase order or P-card, a copy of the completed Campus Authorization Form with approval from the licensing office must be attached with your payment request.
3. Present the complete and approved authorization form to your supplier with your order.
4. Suppliers will then submit your artwork to University Trademarks and Licensing for review and final approval.
5. Follow up with either your supplier or the University Trademarks and Licensing for the status of your order.

Questions? Please contact University Trademarks and Licensing at karnett@msu.edu or by phone at 517-355-3434.

1. University trademarks may not be altered, and all merchandise must include the department's name and/or logo prominently on the product.
2. Departments should comply with university purchasing rules where necessary. Please note that if a licensee is not used, the university may not approve funding for the order.
3. Departments should adhere to the university brand standards as instructed by MSU Communications and Marketing on its Brand Studio website.

Departmental orders using Michigan State University's trademarks are royalty-bearing. Royalties are paid by the vendor and will be reflected in the price to the university department placing the order.

Royalties earned from the use of Michigan State University’s trademarks directly benefit the Spartan community. These funds help support student scholarships and programs, after covering the costs of operating UTL.

Administrative expenses include maintaining trademark registrations, addressing product infringement, supporting ethical sourcing through the Fair Labor Association and Worker Rights Consortium, and managing the operations of UTL.

Exemptions from royalties include:

• Giveaways (merchandise not for resale) procured through a university purchase order or a university-issued P-card.

If the merchandise is for resale to anyone else, even as a fundraiser for charity, royalties must be paid by the vendor and will be reflected in the price to the organization placing the order.

Campus units that work with a third-party sponsor and/or partner that wishes to produce co-branded merchandise or promotional items must receive permission to use the university's brand prior to the sponsorship activity. The Campus Authorization Form will be required to ensure that an officially licensed vendor is used and the standard royalty rate is applied.

A university department may use the university logos in printed material without seeking prior permission. However, it is important to use the marks correctly. A full description of MSU brand standards can be found on the MSU Brand Studio website.

University Trademarks and Licensing is the designated clearinghouse for all university-related trademarks. All university-derived marks are the property of Michigan State University and will be registered as such with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Our role in the trademark registration process is to ensure proper steps are taken for you as the client in the registration, renewals, and affidavits of use requirements. No additional fees will be assessed for our services beyond the required filing fees as stated by the USPTO and outside counsel. For more information, please review our Trademark Registration page.