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 can be displayed in many forms. The list below pairs a type of trademark with a Michigan State example. Please note that this is not an inclusive list of all trademarks registered to MSU.
Examples of university trademarks include any graphic representation relating to the following:
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:
Michigan State logos may be reproduced on merchandise in the following colors: green, white, black, or any neutral color.
As Spartans, we are part of a community. A movement that inspires. Part of something bigger.
The MSU brand speaks to the uncommon will Spartans have to make a meaningful difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. It celebrates our excellence, aspirations and commitment to make a better tomorrow for our students, for Michigan and for the world.
The brand is the foundation from which Spartans communicate who we are, what we stand for, and the impact we make.
The Michigan State University brand is built upon the fundamental truth of our history and the strength of our identity. The way our brand is expressed — its look, feel, and tone — reflects what Michigan State University is and aspires to become. The MSU Brand Studio website provides outlines and minimum identity standards required for university materials and logos, and provides guidelines that show how to work with various elements of the brand (fonts, patterns, photography, etc.).
Use of Michigan State trademarks for merchandise must be consistent with the Michigan State University Style Guide. The document below outlines identity standards for licensees and retailers.
Michigan State University Standard Style Guide and Art Sheet (PDF)