- What is a Trademark?
- What are Princeton University Licensed Marks?
- Is the Princeton University Seal permitted to be used on Licensed Products?
- Why are the “®” and “TM” notices used?
- What are the Licensed Products under the Princeton University Trademark Licensing Program?
- Are there any items excluded from the Princeton University Trademark Licensing Program?
- What are the terms of a Trademark License with Princeton University?
- What is the Annual Minimum Guaranteed Royalty Advance?
- When are royalties reported and payable?
- Are any sales of Princeton logo merchandise exempt from royalties?
- Who do I contact to request information about becoming a Princeton University Trademark Licensee?
- How is artwork approved?
- Where do I go if I need business cards?
- Who do I contact for other Princeton University Intellectual Property matters?
- How do I find out more about the Fair Labor Association (FLA) or become a member of the FLA?
What is a Trademark?
For information about basic trademark facts, including the difference between a trademark, copyright and patent, please visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office Web site at: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/tac/doc/basic/.
What are Princeton University Licensed Marks?
Princeton’s registered trademarks require a “®” designation and include:
- “Princeton University”
- “Princeton”
- “Dei Sub Numine Viget” Shield
- 250th Anniversary logo (Class 41)
- “Clio Tiger” logo (Classes 16, 25, 41)
Princeton’s other, non-registered, trademarks require a “TM” designation and include:
- Tiger designs
- The block “P”
- “Tiger Striped P”
- Nassau Hall
- Medallion designs
Is the Princeton University Seal permitted to be used on Licensed Products?
No, the Princeton University Seal (a seal encircled by Princeton’s motto and name in Latin) is the corporate signature representing official business of the Board of Trustees and the president. It is imprinted on ceremonial documents, awards and diplomas and is not permitted for use on Licensed Products.
Why are the “®” and “TM” notices used?
The ™ symbol, placed behind the mark, indicates that the word, design, symbol etc is claimed as a trademark by the owner. The ® symbol indicates that the mark is federally registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. These symbols indicate Princeton’s ownership of its trademarks.
What are the Licensed Products under the Princeton University Trademark Licensing Program?
For the list of proposed licensed products click on this link.
Are there any items excluded from the Princeton University Trademark Licensing Program?
For a list of prohibited items, click on this link.
What are the terms of a Trademark License with Princeton University?
The standard Princeton University Trademark License Agreement may be found here. However, a summary of the main terms include:
- Non-exclusive license for a two year term
- Annual Minimum Guaranteed Royalty Advance
- Effective July 1, 2009 10% royalty payable on “Net Sales Price” as defined in the Princeton University Trademark Licensing Agreement
- Licensees are required to be participating members of the Fair Labor Association
- Comprehensive general liability insurance policy, with Princeton named as an additional insured, for per occurrence limits of not less than $1,000,000.00
- Quarterly royalty reporting
- Licensees are required to submit product samples and designs for approval prior to production of goods
What is the Annual Minimum Guaranteed Royalty Advance?
The Annual Minimum Guaranteed Royalty Advance is payable in advance and is applied against royalties due to Princeton. Princeton University’s Trademark Licensing Program has three categories of advances payable, according to the type of license:
- General License, including apparel - $500.00 per year
- Specialty License - $250.00 per year
- Artist License - $100.00 per year
When are royalties reported and payable?
Royalty reports and royalty checks, if applicable, are due quarterly, within 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter. A royalty report must be submitted to the Princeton University Trademark Licensing Program regardless of whether or not any sales have occurred. The royalty report form can be found here.
Are any sales of Princeton logo merchandise exempt from royalties?
Yes, sales of Princeton logo merchandise to Princeton University departments and authorized student or alumni groups are exempt from the royalty charge.
Who do I contact to request information about becoming a Princeton University Trademark Licensee?
For all inquiries into the Princeton University Trademark Licensing Program, please contact:
Allison Brooks
Associate Director for Trademark Licensing
Princeton University Services
112 Nassau Street, 3rd Floor
Princeton NJ 08542
Email: allisonb@princeton.edu
Ph: (609) 258-3097
Fax: (609) 258-7334
How is artwork approved?
Licensees must submit all artwork for approval before production. Please send all artwork approval requests to allisonb@princeton.edu.
Where do I go if I need business cards?
Business cards may be ordered by the Princeton University community online at http://www.princeton.edu/printing-mailing/pm_orders.html.
Who do I contact for other Princeton University Intellectual Property matters?
For information or inquiries concerning Princeton University copyright or patent matters, please visit the Office of Technology, Licensing and Intellectual Property Web site at http://www.princeton.edu/patents/.
How do I find out more about the Fair Labor Association (FLA) or become a member of the FLA?
More information about the FLA may be found at http://www.fairlabor.org/ and companies may register online under the “Licensee Help Center” tab.
