Policy for use of the “Washington University in St. Louis” and “WashU” names and other identities on commercial websites and other commercial communications vehicles
These guidelines apply to the names and symbols of the university and its entities – schools, departments, programs, offices, groups, etc.
As a rule, Washington University in St. Louis names, trademarks, symbols, logos or images should not appear on commercial websites or other commercial communications vehicles. The university vigorously protects its names, identity, logos and images from unauthorized use.
Any third-party organization seeking to use the university’s trade name or trademarks must obtain written authorization from the trademark licensing program within University Marketing & Communications.
At no time may the use of the university’s name(s) or symbol(s) imply or state endorsement of any products or services. As a matter of practice, the university does not permit institutional endorsements of any kind through the use of its names, identities, logos or images – including pictures of campus buildings. Not-for-profit organizations that would like to use the university’s name and identities also must obtain written authorization.
Commercial film or video requests for use of trademarked symbols for graphics, set dressings and wardrobe should be directed to the trademark licensing program.
At its discretion, the university may grant permission for a commercial entity to refer to the university on its website or other communication if the institution is listed in a purely informational way. An example would be if a pizza store says, “We deliver to the following areas . . .”. In those cases, the commercial entity 1) must use, in text only, the complete, correct name of “Washington University in St. Louis” or other name as determined by MarComm, 2) use the name only in a clearly marked list of customers or other such category and 3) does not refer to the university as a “partner.” Permission is valid only if granted in writing from MarComm. Permission may be time-limited.
With advance permission in writing from the trademark licensing program, companies officially licensed to manufacture products bearing the university’s names, symbols and images through Exemplar Associates — as the university’s authorized agent — may use a WashU trademark (name or logo) on their websites. The logo should appear in a clearly subordinate position, preferably in a side column or toward the bottom of the page. The following statement is required directly in proximity to the logo: “Officially licensed products available here.” The trademark licensing program must approve each and every use of a WashU trademark on such websites before they go live. No university endorsement of the licensee, its products or services may be implied or stated.
For written authorization of third-party use, contact the trademark licensing program.