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Frequently Asked Questions
What
is a trademark?
A trademark
is a device (as a name, icon, insignia, symbol) which is used
in trade with goods to indicate the source of the goods and
to distinguish them from the goods of others.
Trademark
rights may be used to prevent others from using a confusingly
similar mark, but not to prevent others from making the same
goods or from selling the same goods or services under a clearly
different mark. Trademarks which are used in interstate or
foreign commerce may be registered with the Patent and Trademark
Office.
What
are Yale’s trademarks?
Yale University’s
trademark registrations include “YALE,” “YALE
UNIVERSITY,” and the “LUX ET VERITAS” shield;
and several other marks associated with the University, such
as “Y” and the “YALE BULLDOG” icon.
An “®” must appear on all products bearing
Yale’s registered marks; a “TM” must appear
on products containing any of Yale’s marks that are
not yet registered.
Who
is responsible for the protection of the Yale name?
The Vice
President and Secretary of the University is charged by the
Yale Corporation with the responsibility of ensuring that
the Yale name and trademarks are used properly. This duty
is fulfilled through the Yale University Licensing Program.
What
is the purpose of the Yale University Licensing Program?
The main
purpose of the Program is to ensure that the Yale name and
trademarks are used appropriately, in good taste, and with
high-quality reproduction. The Program seeks to avoid misrepresentation
of the University to the public.
Who
must be licensed?
Any person,
business, or organization interested in using the Yale name
or trademarks for any purpose must secure the prior approval
of the Yale University Licensing Program.
What
products can be licensed?
Many products
will be considered for a license. Licensed products include
clothing (t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, pants, caps, and
children’s clothes), pennants and banners, key chains,
watches, glassware, and other gifts. Among the products that
the University does not license are alcoholic beverages, tobacco
and smoking products, sexually oriented goods, barbecue grills,
weapons, goods related to gambling or lotteries, and products
in “poor taste.” Yale reserves the right to refuse
a license to any person, business, or organization.
May
I use the Yale name or trademarks on a custom-made gift?
Permission to use the Yale name or trademarks on a custom-made
product may, on a case-by-case basis, be given if that gift
cannot be purchased from a licensed retailer and if it is
intended for the personal use of a member of the Yale community
(faculty, staff, alumni). Inquiries and requests for permission
should be directed to the Yale Licensing Program.
How
does licensing affect students?
Anyone interested
in using the Yale name or trademarks for any purpose must
secure the prior approval of the Yale University Licensing
Program. Sales of products bearing a Yale trademark by University
departments and authorized student groups are usually exempt
from the royalty charge as long as the products are for internal
use, to be given away, or, if for sale to the public, are
sold directly (not via a retailer) with all proceeds benefiting
the department or student group. Approval for designs must
be obtained in advance from the Yale University Licensing
Program.
Yale College students or student groups
wishing to use the Yale name must comply with the .
What
steps does Yale take to ensure that Yale merchandise is produced
in fair and humane working conditions?
Yale is committed
to working to achieve fair and humane working conditions for
all involved in the manufacture of its licensed goods. We believe
that the most effective approach requires a rational system
for gathering and analyzing facts about the industry and using
this information to realize the goal of improved working conditions.
Yale was a leader in the formation of the (FLA) and continues to work closely
with the FLA. Yale sponsors internships and other opportunities
for students to participate in this process. Licensees are
required to adopt the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct and comply
with FLA requirements.
What
should I do if I see an item that appears to use the Yale
name or trademarks improperly?
With the use of commercial services and the help of alumni,
students, and friends, the Yale University Licensing Program
monitors the marketplace to ensure that only officially licensed
merchandise is being sold. Please report any potential violations
of the University’s trademark rights to the Yale University
Licensing Program.
How
do I obtain a reproduction of a work of art or permission
to reproduce art owned by Yale’s galleries?
Please
contact the or the directly about
works in their collections.
How
do I find information in the Yale archives?
Historical
items, including documents, photographs, maps, and other material,
are available to researchers through the in Yale’s Sterling Memorial
Library.
Where
can I buy Yale insignia goods?
If you are
visiting New Haven, there are a number of local merchants
who sell merchandise bearing Yale’s name and insignia.
Clothing, gifts, and other merchandise are also available
online or by calling the stores. Vendors who offer online
sales include:
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