Trademark Use

Use of George Mason University’s trademarks on products must be in accordance with guidelines established by Creative Services, Intercollegiate Athletics, and University Policy 1130.

George Mason’s trademarks may not be altered in any way. They also may not be used in conjunction with the name or trademark(s) of any other entity without prior written permission of that entity and the University.

All uses of George Mason’s trademarks on products will incorporate the appropriate trademark designation symbols (i.e. ® or ™), unless otherwise approved by Trademark Licensing.

Approval Process

Step 1: Create Artwork & Obtain Artwork Approval

  • Review brand guidelines for appropriate trademark designations and design guidelines.
     
  • Create artwork using a trademark/name.
     
  • Once the artwork is created:
    • Student Organizations: Student organizations must obtain design guidance and approval from the Office of Student Involvement prior to using a George Mason trademark/name. Send your artwork to the Office of Student Involvement for approval at sa@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2909.
       
    • Departments and Programs: Please consult your marketing team or Creative Services, if necessary.
       
    • Athletics: Any and all use of the names, numbers, and/or images of Mason student athletes must comply with University policies and NCAA regulations. Questions should be directed to Trademark Licensing, who will consult with Mason Athletics. Obtain artwork approval from your marketing oversight staff.

Step 2: Find a Licensed Vendor

All products bearing George Mason’s trademarks/names must be purchased from licensed vendors. The CLC maintains our lists of licensed vendors.

Purchasing Estimates: Whenever your product order reaches the threshold requiring additional vendor estimates, please remember that additional estimates must come from other George Mason licensed vendors.

Vendor Waiver: If your desired product is not provided by one of our vendors, please submit a vendor waiver form. Once the request is approved, George Mason University will authorize the non-licensed vendor to use a specific trademark on a specific product order.

Mason Korea: All products bearing George Mason’s trademarks/names must be purchased from reputable vendors. All vendors must obtain advance approval from Mason Korea to produce merchandise. Allow ample approval time to prevent any confusion or delays with your orders.

Step 3: Get Artwork Proof

Submit approved artwork to a selected licensed vendor and request a copy of artwork proof. When examining the artwork proof, be sure:

  • the logo is not distorted or resized disproportionally
  • the appropriate trademark designation symbols (i.e. ® or ™) is located in proper areas
Mason Korea: Submit approved artwork to a selected licensed vendor and request a copy of artwork proof. Forward artwork proof to Trademark Licensing at trademrk@gmu.edu for final review and approval. Trademark Licensing staff must approve artwork proof prior to placing an order.

Step 4: Place Merchandise Order & Follow Up with Vendor

Authorize merchandise order and remind licensed vendor to submit artwork via Brand Manager 360 for final university approval.

Mason Korea: As final university approval was given in the previous step, submission to Brand Manager 360 by the vendor is not necessary.