UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
BERKELEY • DAVIS • IRVINE • LOS ANGELES • MERCED • RIVERSIDE • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO
SANTA BARBARA • SANTA CRUZ
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED
UC Merced College Store
5200 N. Lake Road
MERCED, CALIFORNIA 95343
PHONE: (209) 228-2665
FAX: (209) 228-4284
University of California, Merced
Office of Trademark Licensing
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
The University of California’s marks and the reputation they represent are important assets. On behalf of
the University and the Regents of the University of California, the Office of Trademark Licensing’s
primary role is to protect and promote the public image of the University of California, Merced by
managing the use of the University’s names, logos, and distinctive visual images, and to ensure
compliance with UC Code of Conduct requirements.
What do we do?
Promote a positive image of the University through the marketing of the University’s name and symbols
in a variety of media, including print advertisements, and logoed products such as t-shirts, sweatshirts,
baseball caps, electronic games, and novelties.
The UCM Bookstore Campus manages trademarks to maintain their integrity and increase their
marketability. OTL preserves and enhances the value of our campus trademarks.
OTL may license another to use UC marks, but they must maintain control over the nature and quality of
the licensee’s goods or services associated with the mark.
Protect the University’s trademarks from misuse and infringement by enforcing a high quality standard
for emblematic products.
Manage a consistent and appropriate use of UC Merced marks.
Negotiate license/s, settlement, and other agreements with non-university commercial entities.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a word, symbol, or design or combination word and design, a slogan, or even a distinctive
sound, which identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one party from those of another.
A trademark identifies the source of a product or service that indicates certain quality standards inherent
in the product or services. All variances of names and visual representations of the University of
California, Merced are considered “trademarks." The University owns these trademarks and carefully
manages their commercial use.
The “UC Merced” 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 University of California, Merced.
What is considered a University of California, Merced trademark?
UC Merced Trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following:
University name
UC Merced seal
UC Merced logo
UC Merced Bobcats logo
UC Merced college logos
Other UC Merced trademarks include:
Any variation of the University’s name
Campus landmarks
Names of athletic teams, i.e., Bobcats
Includes any affiliated divisions, schools, departments, programs, organizations, and or student groups.
This consists of any words, phrase, or image that implies association with the University, such as “Go
Bobcats!”
When do I have to consult the trademark office?
Whenever an item is produced that contains a UC Merced trademark, it needs to be approved through
OTL. This process ensures that these items will be made and used in a context adhering to University
policy.
Can anyone use UC Merced name or trademarks?
Anyone that goes through the application procedures may use the approved trademarks. If you have any
further questions about the possibility of using a UC Merced trademark, feel free to contact our office.
What is the campus use policy of the University trademark?
Campus organizations and groups may use the Campus' name for non-commercial purposes, as follows:
Registered Campus Organization: This includes any group of students, faculty, and/or staff from a
college, school, department, other unit, or combination of units of the University who organize to become
involved in a common activity not involving the representation of employees, and who obtain recognition
from the Campus.
Registered Student Organizations: is a group of students whose purposes and practices further the
University’s purposes as an educational institution and are consistent with University policy. Such groups
that organize to become involved in a common activity and that are registered with, and approved by, the
Office of Student Organizations are authorized to use the Campus’ name, facilities, and certain
administrative resources in accordance with University policy.
Employee Associations: A group of University employees (faculty and/or staff) who organize to become
involved in a common activity not involving the representation of employees and are registered with
Human Resources Equal Opportunity/Staff Affirmative Action Office.
Support Groups: Any group, organization, foundation, or association other than a Campus Alumni
Association or Campus Foundation (1) whose primary purpose is to provide assistance through fundraising, public outreach, and other support for the University’s mission; or (2) whose representatives or
activities make the entity indistinguishable from the University itself; or (3) that acts as an agent of or
intermediary for the University. A support group must receive official recognition from the University
before it may use the name of the University. Support groups must be registered with External Relations
Office of Support Group Operations.
Use of the University's name and Campus' name by other independent organizations and groups is
prohibited.
What are some of the guidelines for approval?
1. The campus should be referred to as University of California, Merced or UC Merced “UC”
may not be used without specifically indicating the Merced Campus. All variations of the
University’s name are trademarks of the University of California, Merced, and property of the UC
Regents.
2. The following trademarks may also be used when referring to the University of California, Merced
sports programs: Bobcats, Go Bobcats! or UC Merced Bobcats. The preceding names and phrases are
trademarks of the University of California, Merced, and property of the UC Regents.
3. The University’s marks should always present a positive image.
4. The University’s name and/or marks may not be used in any way that could state or imply an
endorsement of a business, social, political, religious or economic movement, activity, program or group,
or in advertising services.
5. The University Seal is restricted from use on items that could be construed as University documents,
publications, or advertisements, except when such applications are used by the University for official
University business. The University Seal may not be defaced, altered, overprinted, or dismantled in any
manner.
6. University marks are not to be associated with alcohol, tobacco, condoms, gambling products, items
which could be used to maim or kill, or that could present a high-liability exposure.
7. All licensees must use appropriate “TM” designation on products with the University marks on them.
The “TM” should be placed under the mark, to the right, and should be smaller, so that it does not detract
from the appearance of the University mark.
8. Licensees must make their name(s) clearly apparent on the labeling of all products bearing University
marks.
9. Samples of each licensed product bearing the marks of University of California, Merced must be
submitted to OTL for review and approval before they can be produced, reproduced, or sold.
10. The University’s marks will not be licensed for use in association with certain other mark(s), words,
or phrases, for example: profanity, ethnic/gender/religious slurs, pro-hazing designs, or designs that are
deemed to be in poor taste. Also, art that is in some way degrading or demeaning, or reflects poorly on the
UC Merced image, will not be approved.
11. Many manufacturers create unique UC Merced designs that they wish to reserve for their own use. A
company may not itself claim copyright to these designs as they incorporate the name and/or mascot of
the University, which are its trademarks, regardless of the design. Copyright ownership must be attributed
to the Regents of the University of California as follows:
© and ™ The Regents of the University of California.
Where can I contact OTL?
The Office of Trademark Licensing is located at:
UC Merced Campus Store
5200 North Lake Road
Merced Ca 95343
Phone: (209) 228-6998
Fax: (209) 228-4284