Tulane University Licensing & Trademarks

1. What are Tulane University’s trademarks, and why are they protected?

Tulane’s trademarks and service marks are symbols of its identity. These include names, logos, images, and other visual representations. These marks are protected under U.S. trademark law to prevent misuse and ensure consistent representation of the university’s image.

Examples of protected marks:

• Names: Tulane, Tulane University, Green Wave, Tulane Green Wave
• Logos: Angry Wave, Riptide the Pelican, overlapping TU shield logos
• Other symbols: The official university seal, initials TU

All Tulane trademarks are the property of the university and may only be used with permission from the University.

2. Who needs approval to use Tulane service marks, trademarks or logos?

All uses of Tulane’s trademarks require prior approval if they appear on merchandise, promotional materials, or items produced for sale or distribution—whether by internal departments, student organizations, or external vendors.

To protect and manage its brand, Tulane works with its official licensing partner, the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). Use CLC’s License Search Tool to find a licensed vendor.

3. Do all items require approval?

Not all items need approval. Use the table below to determine if your project requires it:

Campus Partner Merchandise FAQ

Why are some previously ordered items no longer receiving approval? (i.e., a navy blue tote bag with a white lockup was not approved but a natural/canvas one with black straps was).

We updated the university brand guide and brand standards in August 2024, so there may be cases where items that were approved or ordered previously no longer align with the current standards. We also allowed units some time to use up existing inventory that was not fully compliant, in recognition of budget considerations. Over time, however, we have been steering new orders more consistently toward brand-compliant options.

In general, our goal with merchandise approvals is to preserve the integrity and consistency of the Tulane brand while also recognizing that vendors, especially larger or more cost-effective vendors, may offer limited item colors.

For fabric-based items such as tote bags, hats, shirts and similar giveaways, we allow some flexibility when using the full-color Tulane logo. While white is always the preferred background for the full-color logo, we will generally approve standard neutral fabric colors such as natural canvas, light beige, light denim and lighter heather gray. These provide more flexibility than white while still keeping the full-color logo on a neutral, brand-compliant background.

Permitted 

 

For the reverse, or white, version of the logo, the background should be a shade of green that is as close as possible to Tulane green. Because white is not the primary color of our logo, using the reverse logo already represents a simplified version of the brand. To keep the mark as aligned as possible with our visual standards, the background needs to remain green. A darker forest green is preferred over a lighter or lime green, which would likely not be approved. If a vendor does not offer an appropriate green, we would typically ask that the full-color logo be used on white instead.

Permitted 

 

 

Not Permitted 

Black and navy do not fall into that same category. They are saturated, dyed colors and do not provide the same neutral background needed to preserve the logo as accurately as possible.

The reverse white logo should not be used on Tulane blue. Tulane blue is an accent color, and using either the full-color logo or the white logo on a Tulane blue background does not align with our color ratio guidelines. This also helps us avoid accessibility, legibility, and brand consistency issues.

 

 

How should folks go about navigating approved sites that have pre-set colors for merch (where they cannot input Pantone numbers)?

For vendors or approved sites with pre-set colors where Pantone numbers cannot be entered, we recommend choosing the shade that most closely resembles Tulane green when using the reverse logo. Vendors often offer a few green options, and we will generally approve medium to dark green shades with the understanding that those may be the available options. Light or lime greens are unlikely to be approved.

Do you have vendor recommendations that do allow custom Pantone colors?

For vendor recommendations, it depends greatly on the item. CLC’s website is the best place to start, as it allows you to narrow vendors by product type and review available options. Vendors that offer custom Pantone colors may be available, but those options are often more expensive. We can also reach out to CLC for recommendations, but it would be helpful to know what types of items your team is interested in ordering.

How much time do most merch approvals take, assuming they are good to go?

For approval timing, our policy is to allow up to five business days from the time the vendor submits the artwork for review. Our team is generally in the platform daily, but that timeframe accounts for team schedules, workload and other priorities.

One thing that is helpful to clarify with campus partners is that the date they submit an order to the vendor is not necessarily the date our team receives the artwork for approval. The vendor must submit the artwork through the licensing platform before we can review it. For that reason, we recommend giving vendors plenty of lead time, especially larger vendors like 4imprint, who may be managing a high volume of orders. If an order is urgent, the campus partner should follow up directly with the vendor to confirm when the artwork will be submitted and to make sure any feedback is relayed promptly.

In most cases, we review items within about two business days and approve them right away if there are no issues. Once approved, the vendor is notified immediately.

If there is any uncertainty, please contact: trademrk@tulane.edu

4. What restrictions apply to the use of Tulane’s service marks and trademarks?

Tulane’s service marks and trademarks may not be used in ways that conflict with the university’s mission, values, legal obligations, or brand standards. The university retains sole discretion to deny any use of its marks.

Prohibited categories of use include:

• Products that present safety, legal, or reputational risks:
• Weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials
• Items promoting illegal activity (e.g., illegal drug use)
• Content that violates local, state, or federal law

Items inconsistent with Tulane’s institutional values:

• Profanity, vulgarity, or obscene content
• Hate speech or discriminatory language
• Sexually explicit or suggestive content

Commercial associations that may imply university endorsement:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis-related products
• Co-branding
• Use by third parties for commercial gain without a license

Use in political campaigns or endorsements:

• Tulane’s trademarks may not be used to support or oppose any political candidate, party, or ballot initiative
• This applies to campaign apparel, signs, digital content, and advertisements

Additional limitations:

• Tulane marks must not be altered, distorted, or combined with other logos without prior approval
• Use of third party trademarks in conjunction with Tulane’s marks requires written permission from both rights holders
• If your proposed use falls into a gray area or is not listed here, contact UCM before proceeding: marketing@tulane.edu

5. Can student organizations or departments design their own logos?

Only with approval. Any design that incorporates Tulane’s name, initials, logos, or even resembles them must follow the university’s brand guidelines and be submitted for review.

Examples of what requires approval:

• Custom student organizational logos that include “Tulane” or the TU shield
• Event branding with Tulane mascots or athletics marks
• Modified university symbols, even if creatively altered

6. Are certain Tulane logos restricted to specific uses?

Yes. Some logos and symbols are reserved for official university offices or Athletics. The following marks are reserved for Tulane Athletics and may not be used by academic departments, student organizations, or external vendors without prior permission:

Athletics Marks

• Angry Wave
• T Wave
• Retro logos in the College Vault
• Other official Athletics marks

For more information about Athletics marks, contact:

trademrk@tulane.edu

University Marks

The Tulane University seal is reserved for formal, ceremonial, and legal documents. It may not be used on marketing materials, merchandise, or informal university communications without approval from the University.

Approved uses include:

• Diplomas and official academic transcripts
• Board of Tulane communications
• The university flag
• Commencement stage displays

Prohibited uses include:

• Certificates of participation or awards (unless specifically approved)
• Event signage, PowerPoint slides, websites, or email signatures
• Apparel, giveaways, or promotional items

If you are requesting seal use for a formal academic or ceremonial purpose, contact:

marketing@tulane.edu

7. How do I receive approval to use Tulane’s trademarks?

Follow these steps:

• Review the above guidelines
• Choose a licensed vendor through the CLC License Search Tool
• Work with the vendor to submit your design through MyiCLC, CLC’s digital review system
• Wait for approval from both CLC and Tulane

Each request is reviewed on a case by case basis. A new submission is required for every unique item or design.

8. What if my request is denied?

If your use of a Tulane trademark is denied, you may request a review. However, Tulane reserves the right to reject any request at its sole discretion, including those not specifically listed as restricted. Approval is not guaranteed.

9. How can external vendors get licensed to use Tulane’s trademarks?

To sell or distribute merchandise featuring Tulane’s trademarks, a vendor must obtain a license through CLC. There are three license types:

All licensed vendors must submit product designs via MyiCLC for review and approval.

For licensing applications, visit CLC’s website.

10. What happens if someone uses Tulane’s trademarks without permission?

Unauthorized use of Tulane’s marks violates both university policy and federal trademark law (e.g., under the Lanham Act). Consequences may include:

• Removal or recall of unauthorized materials
• Loss of vendor privileges
• Legal action, including cease and desist and enforcement

Tulane actively protects its brand to prevent misuse and maintain its distinct institutional identity.

11. I’ve created a new logo, name, or slogan for use by or on behalf of the university. What should I do first?

Contact UCM before using it publicly. UCM will review your request for brand alignment, and if appropriate, coordinate and consult with other university offices for approval and clearance.

12. Can I register a trademark of the University myself?

No. All trademark filings must go through UCM ensure compliance and brand consistency.

13. Who can I contact for help or more information?

For internal guidance or approvals, reach out to:

Carmen Sarduy (csarduy@tulane.edu)

For questions about licensing applications of becoming a licensed vendor, contact:

The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC)
1075 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 3300
Atlanta, GA 30309
Tel: (770) 956-0520
www.clc.com

Notice

Tulane University’s Licensing & Trademark requirements are subject to change. While we strive to keep this page current, it may not always reflect the most recent policies or approval procedures. Before producing or distributing items featuring Tulane’s trademarks, please verify requirements directly by contacting trademrk@tulane.edu.