All campus departments, organizations and student groups must use a licensed vendor to produce any product bearing the University name and/or logos, or other trademarks with the exception of printed material. This applies for the following:
- for the department/organization's own use (e.g. team shirts)
- for promotional purposes (giveaways, premiums and such like)
- for items to be sold for fundraising
Step-by-Step Guide:
STEP ONE:
When considering ordering products with Old Dominion University's name, logos, or trademarks for your own use, or for the resale for fundraising purposes, please visit thelists of licensed manufacturers and screen printers.
Please note that if using a University funding source, the vendor would also need to be a contracted or SWAM vendor. If a licensed, contracted or SWAM vendor is not used, the University may not approve funding for the order.
STEP TWO:
If you need assistance, please reference the University Brand Book for correct uses of the University Trademarks. You can also contact University Marketing & Branding for assistance in creative as well as University Licensing for assistance.
STEP THREE:
Once you have selected a licensed vendor for your order, the licensed vendor will submit art approvals to University Licensing for final approval. Should there be any edits to the creative of the product ordered, University Licensing will contact both the licensed vendor and department with recommended changes.
What NOT to do to get artwork approved:
- Put the University in a compromising position
Old Dominion University's name, just like all our logos, and should always be used with the taste and dignity that we associate with the University. Art containing vulgar or questionable representations will not be approved. - Using vulgar language
No vulgarity may be used on any product with any Old Dominion University trademark or logo, nor may any language or images of questionable taste be used with them. The issue of taste will be determined by the University Licensing and University Marketing and Communications. - Leave out the TM mark
That TM marks might seem small to you, but they are very important. It states that the logos are an entity of Old Dominion University and permission must be granted in order to use them. Please make sure you do not accidentally exclude it while designing your art for submission. - Royalties
You should never assume that because you're a student organization or campus department that you will not be responsible for paying royalties. It is very likely that you will be exempt from paying royalties but in rare cases you may not be. Per University policy, if any products are resold for profit using University trademarks, they are subject to royalties. - Obscure the logo or change it completely
Any Old Dominion University logos needs to be unaltered if you wish to use it. When used in art, logos shouldn't be covered up or obscured in any way. Old Dominion University Trademarks must maintain a consistent image and message in the public and cannot be altered. - Use of Athletic logos vs Academic logos
Old Dominion University has two different sets of logos, one for Athletics and one for Academics. Only the University Athletic department and vendors that sell to retail have permission to use the Athletics Trademarks as they represent Athletics and spirit wear. If you are representing the University in an academic capacity, you may use the Academic Trademarks. - Do it without asking
Always ask first! Our office is here to help you, and we're always available to do so. Check with us before starting production on any tee shirts or other products you might want to make or sell through your organization. Chances are, you'll be approved. However, if you simply go forward without checking with us, you will certainly be unable to keep making or selling your product. We're always willing to schedule appointments and you can contact us at any time by emailing us at licensing@odu.edu.