Is a school logo copyrighted?

School logos, mascots, taglines, and other branding devices are often intellectual property and protected by trademarks and copyrights, which protect the school’s brand.

Can you use a school logo on a shirt?

Printing your college’s name and logo onto a T-shirt may seem harmless. Just like any business, colleges and universities consider their names, colors, and logos to be essential parts of their brands.

Do names have copyright?

No. Names are not protected by copyright law. Some names may be protected under trademark law. Contact the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, [email protected] or see Circular 33 “Copyright Protection Not Available for Names, Titles, or Short Phrases”.

Can I put a college name on a shirt?

Using a college’s name on apparel without the college’s permission is a violation of the college’s trademark rights. Many prominent colleges license use of their names through The Collegiate Licensing Company (http://www.clc.com/).

Can I use school logos without permission?

You need permission to use a logo unless it is for editorial or information purposes, such as when a logo is used in a written article or being used as part of a comparative product statement. A person or company should never use a trademark or logo without written permission from its owner.

Can I use Nike logo?

Does Nike Permit Use of Its Trademarks, Logos, Images, or Advertising? Nike does not permit other parties to use or modify its trademarks, images, logos, advertising, or other such materials.

Can a person’s name be trademarked?

It is not illegal for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to register a person’s name as part of a trademark, but it only grants this level of protection to names that are widely used in commerce or are unique. Trademarks are granted to protect established brand names from inferior competition.

How do I know if a name is copyrighted?

You can search all applied-for and registered trademarks free of charge by using the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). If your mark includes a design element, you will have to search it by using a design code.

How do I find out if a name is copyrighted?

You can search for federally registered trademarks by using the free trademark database on the USPTO’s website. To start, go to the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Business Center at http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm and choose “Search.” Then follow the instructions you see on the screen.

Can a high school logo be copyrighted?

To copyright your high school logo, you must meet certain requirements. Your logo must be original — you can’t borrow it from a college or professional team. In the past, high schools have gotten in trouble for using a symbol that too closely resembled the trademark of a company.

Can a college sue a school district for copyright infringement?

Again, however, despite numerous successful copyright suits against small businesses or individuals selling counterfeit, pirated merchandise bearing university-owned artwork, no college has ever attempted to litigate a copyright infringement lawsuit related to logos or mascots against a school district.

Can I trademark the name of my high school?

Yes, there’s no reason you can’t can get a trademark on the high school name for educational services, for clothing, for calendars, and for whatever products the district sells with the high school name.

What are the best ways to protect a high school logo?

Logos are one of the most potent symbols of a high school brand. You can prevent others from copying your logo by obtaining a copyright or trademark, depending on how you use your logo. Protecting your logo can even bring in extra revenue for the school — if you receive a copyright, you can license the logo to local businesses for a fee.