The University will register and maintain trademarks identifying the University and its products, services, programs, or activities. These trademarks are University property and are protected by state and federal law. Use of a University trademark without the consent and approval of the responsible University official constitutes an unlawful infringement of the mark.

The purpose of the policy is to promote and to protect the use of the University's name and identifying marks. 

This policy applies to any faculty or staff member, student, alumnus, University unit or program, University-recognized group or organization, or UVM-affiliated or non-affiliated entity or person wishing to use the University of Vermont’s trademarks, or to register a new trademark that uses a UVM trademark whether for commercial or charitable purposes. 

Trademark: a word, phrase, logo, or other graphic symbol used to distinguish a product or service from those of others.

Trademark License: an agreement by which UVM or its authorized agents gives another party the right to use a UVM Trademark, subject to control over the nature and quality of the goods or services, in exchange for payment of a royalty or other consideration.

UVM Intellectual Property or UVM IP: patents, inventions, copyrights, and computer software, developed by University faculty, staff, students or post-docs and as defined in the University’s Intellectual Property Policy.

University trademarks include, without limitation, "University of Vermont," "UVM," "Catamounts," the official University seal, and any design, symbol, logo, art, word, or words associated with or referring to the University or its sanctioned activities, such as sports. In addition, the University owns certain marks that identify products and services developed in the course of University research or that are otherwise subject to the University’s Intellectual Property Policy.

Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is responsible for maintaining the official University record of registered trademarks.

University faculty, staff, or students who want to register a trademark for a product, service, program, or activity ("product") that is not considered University of Vermont intellectual property (UVM IP) should start by contacting the Office of the General Counsel (OGC).

If the Product Is a University Product:

1. Initial Review: OGC will determine whether the proposed trademark is for a University product and if it is likely eligible for registration under trademark law.
2. Internal Approval: If the mark qualifies, OGC will confirm that it has programmatic approval from the appropriate department or unit.
3. Final Approval: OGC will then submit the request for review and approval by the Senior Vice President and Provost, who will consult with the Chief Communications Officer.
4. Registration: Upon approval, OGC will initiate the registration process. The department or unit requesting the trademark is responsible for all associated registration costs.

If the Product Is Not a University Product But Involves UVM Affiliation:

1. Initial Review: OGC will evaluate whether the mark can be registered under trademark law.
2. Approval Process: If eligible, the same approval and review process applies (Senior Vice President and Provost with consultation from the Chief Communications Officer).
3. Registration: If approved, OGC will handle registration, but the individual or department making the request must cover the costs.

Licensing Existing UVM Trademarks:

Requests to use existing University trademarks will be referred by OGC to the Associate Athletic Director for External Relations and Communications and the University Licensing Director.

The University may register trademarks that support UVM-owned intellectual property (“UVM IP Marks”).

Registration of UVM IP Marks:

• Decisions about whether to apply for trademark or service mark registration for UVM IP Marks are made by the Director of UVM Innovations (UVMI) in consultation with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC).
• UVMI covers all costs associated with registering UVM IP Marks.

Inventor-Initiated Trademark Requests:

• If a UVM inventor or creator wants to register a trademark that reflects UVM affiliation, they must contact UVMI to start the review and authorization process.
• UVMI, in consultation with OGC, will submit the request for approval to the Senior Vice President and Provost, who will consult with the Chief Communications Officer.
• If the request is approved, the inventor is responsible for paying the trademark registration costs.

Licensing:

• The University may enter into Trademark License Agreements with licensees of UVM IP.

All uses of University Trademarks, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, must be properly licensed. Inquiries about University Trademark Licenses should be directed to the Associate Athletic Director for External Relations and Communications and University Licensing Director.

Training will be provided on an as-needed basis as determined by the Approval Authority or the Responsible Official.

Questions concerning the daily operational interpretation of this policy should be directed to the following (in accordance with the policy elaboration and procedures):