Branded Merchandise

How to Order | Athletic Marks | Spirit Marks | Hybrid Mark

Looking to brand your merchandise? Review the following guidelines to learn who to contact, how to order and which USC marks and logotypes are available for use on your products and promotional items.

Questions about trademark registration for your department? Contact USC Trademarks and Licensing (TLS).

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How to Order

1. Select and contact an authorized licensed vendor from the USC Trademarks and Licensing Services list. Note: Use of an authorized licensed vendor is required.
   • For campus departments, please click here.
   • For student organizations, please click here.
2. If you are looking to use Athletic or Spirit marks, please review below for guidelines and restrictions.
3. Provide a mockup of the proposed merchandise design and submit it to USC TLS for review.
   Note: The USC entity’s authorized licensed vendor can assist in preparing a mockup of the design and formally submitting the artwork to USC TLS.
4. The authorized licensed vendor submits the merchandise artwork for approval to the USC TLS.
   Note: Only the authorized licensed vendor can submit the design artwork to USC TLS. 
5. Once USC TLS has approved the merchandise artwork, the authorized licensed vendor may begin to produce and ship the product according to the USC entity’s order and specifications.

For additional questions and for more information about ordering USC branded merchandise visit USC Trademarks and Licensing Services.

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Which logotypes and marks should you use?

Academic or Administrative Units, Campus Departments or Other Organizations

• Follow the university graphic identity guidelines.
• Campus departments should use the university’s academic marks.
• To create a new logotype, complete and submit a Creative Project Request form to the Brand Creative Team at USC University Communications.

Student Organizations 

• Organizations that are formally recognized by the Office of Student Life can use select USC wordmarks and spirit marks, but only in conjunction with the organization name and design of promotional products; no altering of existing trademarks is permitted.

Club Sports Teams 

• Club sports teams that are formally recognized by USC Recreational Sports are authorized to use select USC wordmarks and spirit marks, but only in conjunction with the organization name and design of promotional products.
• If the university already has a recognized NCAA sport that shares the same name as a club, the club sports team is required to include the word “CLUB” prominently in all product designs (i.e.), . USC Club Basketball, etc.

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Restrictions and Guidelines

General

• Promotional items that incorporate the University of Southern California (USC) brand identity can be created by university entities provided the entity uses an approved vendor and approved product specifications, etc.  For any questions, contact USC Trademarks and Licensing Services (TLS).
• The USC TLS manages requests and serves as the point of contact for department trademark registration requests and inquiries. 
• Use of USC’s marks and logotypes on licensed merchandise must follow brand identity guidelines. 
• All USC entities are required to use an authorized licensed vendor(s) when designing consumer products, including promotional or giveaway items, that include a USC trademark or wordmarks. 
• If your item does not include the USC trademarks or wordmarks you do not need our authorization.

Use of Logotypes and Marks

• Alterations not permitted: Materially altering existing trademarks is not permitted in any way.
• Athletic marks: These marks, including the SC interlock, can only be used by the USC Athletic Department. All other USC entities are restricted from using the mark(s).
• Trojan Marching Band Marks: These marks, including the band Trojan head, can only be used by the Trojan Marching Band.  All other USC entities are restricted from using the marks.
• RESALE: Requests to purchase licensed product for resale in conjunction with fundraising activities must be approved by USC TLS and sourced through an authorized licensed vendor.
• Product restrictions: Tobacco, alcohol, sexually explicit graphics or descriptions, and unauthorized use of other third-party trademarks are prohibited.

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USC Athletic and Spirit Marks

To request the use of these marks, or for questions pertaining to the Trojan Head, other spirit marks, athletic marks, and merchandise or promotional items, e-mail Trademarks and Licensing Services at trdmarks@usc.edu or visit usc.edu/trademarks for more information.

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Approved Athletic Marks

Who can use Athletic Marks?

• USC Athletics
• USC Retail Licensees (selling at the Bookstore and off-campus)

Athletic Marks may not be used by student groups or campus departments with the exception of USC Athletics.

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Approved Spirit Marks

Who can use Spirit Marks?

• Recognized Student Organizations
• Club Sports Teams
• USC Retail Licensees

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Approved Hybrid Mark

The Trojan Head logo or “Tommy” Head is considered a hybrid mark, both Athletic and Spirit. If used outside of an Athletic context, it’s considered a Spirit mark and may be used by campus groups and organizations.

Who can use the Trojan Head logotype?

• USC Athletics
• USC Retail Licensees (selling at the Bookstore and off-campus)
• Recognized Student Organizations
• Club Sports Teams
• USC Retail Licensees

Please visit USC Trademarks and Licensing Services (TLS) for more information.