UCLA Trademark Use Guidelines

A trademark is either a word, symbol, or design – or a combination of these – which identifies and distinguishes the goods and/or services of one party from those of another. A service mark is the same as a trademark except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a "service" rather than a "product."

The "UCLA" trademarks are the exclusive property of the Regents of the University of California. The marks include any trademark, service mark, name, logo, insignia, seal, design, or other symbol or device associated with or referring to UCLA. Besides California State Law, and common law rights, "UCLA," "UCLA Bruins," "University of California Los Angeles," and the UCLA unofficial Seal are protected by federal and international intellectual property law.

In order to make products using any UCLA Trademark, you must first obtain a license. For information about applying for a UCLA license, please contact UCLA's licensing representative, the Collegiate Licensing Company. As UCLA's licensing representative, CLC is responsible for administering the domestic licensing program, including processing licensing applications, collecting royalty payments, enforcing trademarks, and pursuing new market opportunities for UCLA.

Proper trademark usage protects and promotes the reputation of the University and is all of our responsibility. The use of "UCLA" trademarks by UCLA department programs and individuals as well as third parties, inures to the benefit or the detriment of the University and the Regents. It is all of our responsibility to ensure that all uses of these marks properly reflect the reputation, message and visual identity of the University. It isn't uncommon for legitimate trademarks to be lost because of improper usage. For instance, "aspirin," "thermos," "cornflakes," and "kerosene" were once trademarks. But they drifted into public domain because the owners of the trademarks were not careful to control their proper use. A single improper use doesn't invalidate it- but repeated improper use, or a pattern of inattention to proper usage could be very damaging. By purchasing only official licensed products and by understanding and following UCLA trademark use guidelines, you are protecting UCLA marks against the possibility of dilution and enhancing the image of excellence that is UCLA.