NC State University

(Ex: 11.15.1 or REG 11.15.1)

Use of the University's Names, Marks, Symbols, Images, and Copyrights

REG 01.25.6

November 18, 2002 Archived Version (Effective November 18, 2002 through July 31, 2004)

Authority: Issued by the Chancellor. Changes or exceptions to administrative regulations issued by the Chancellor may only be made by the Chancellor.

History: First issued: November 18, 2002. Additional History Information.

Related Policies: Administrative Regulation on Computer Use; Administrative Regulation on Copyright Implementation Pursuant to Copyright Use and Ownership Policy of the University of North Carolina; Trademark Licensing Rules

Contact Info: Trademark Licensing Administrator (919-515-2146)


  1. Purpose

    1. This regulation applies to use of North Carolina State University's names, trademarks and service marks, other identifying symbols, and images, including the recording of visual images of parts of the campus, and copyrighted material.

      Written permission for use of University names, marks, symbols, images and copyrighted material must be obtained except where the use is made by a University employee for official university business purposes as determined by Office of Trademark Licensing rules, or where the use is clearly allowed under University policy, regulation or rule. The Trademark Licensing Office may by rule determine what uses constitute official university business purposes.

    2. Permission may be sought from the University offices indicated below.

  2. Permission to Use University Names, Trademarks, Service Marks, Symbols, Images and Copyrighted Material
  3. Requests to use university names, trademarks, service marks, symbols, images or copyrighted material should be directed to the following offices:

    1. Uses Involving University Trademarks

      1. Where the proposed use would identify, promote, or advertise goods or services, or dilute the value of the University's marks, the request should be sent to the Trademark Licensing office. See http://www.fis.ncsu.edu/ncsu_licensing/ (E.g., a business wants to print one of the university's wolf images on tote bags, a private apartment complex wants to use the name "NC State Commons," a car dealer wants to advertise that it is a proud sponsor of Wolfpack Athletics, or a charitable organization wants to print brochures stating that it has been "recognized by NC State as a leader in its field."). If the proposed use is related to sponsored research, athletics or some other discrete area of the university, the Trademark Licensing office will consult with that unit before making a decision.

      2. Where the proposed use would not be for promotional purposes, would
        not identify goods or services, and would not dilute the value of the university's marks, the request should be directed to the Provost's office (provost@ncsu.edu). (E.g., someone wants to use NC State marks to illustrate an article on trademark law. Or where the university marks are used strictly for news commentary - "NC State scientists have discovered a new process…" - or factual description - "John Doe graduated from NC State in 1988".)

    2. Commercial Filming, Video and Photography on Campus. Permission is required from the Creative Services office. See http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/univ_relations/comphot.html

    3. Copyright. Requests for permission to use works (text, graphics, software code, etc.) for which NC State holds copyright should be directed to the Office of Technology Transfer. See http://www.ncsu.edu/ott/. This applies regardless of whether the copyright is to be licensed for a royalty fee or permission is to be granted at no cost.