RHODE ISLAND ATHLETICS BRAND GUIDE (PDF)
Rhode Island Athletics and the University of Rhode Island Licensing Department seeks to implement a comprehensive branding strategy that protects, maintains, and enhances recognition for the department and university. In partnership with our licensing rights holder, CLC, brand guidelines have been established for all merchandise containing athletics marks. The Rhode Island Athletics brand guide provides a resource for the implementation of the Rhode Island Athletics brand. It outlines the fundamental elements of the brand along with basic instructions for how to utilize them to staff, partners, and suppliers. The branding guide details the use of official colors, athletic logos, wordmarks, typography and other brand identifiers that make up the Rhode Island Athletics brand. While these identifiers are not the sole elements of the Rhode Island Athletics' brand, they are a visual representation and extension. Adherence to these guidelines will ensure consistency and recognition of the brand moving forward.
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LICENSING
Any manufacturer of products bearing athletics marks, imagery, or language must be licensed before offering the product for sale or promotional use. All retail outlets are responsible for ensuring the merchandise sold is licensed.
Licensed Products
The Athletic and Licensing Departments have the authority to approve or disapprove of any product submitted, which is at Rhode Island's sole discretion. No product may be produced without the approval of a representative from Athletics or the Licensing Department.
Trademarks
A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others" (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office). The University owns a variety of symbols, insignias, slogans, mottos, emblems, seals, and words which have been in use for many years. The University of Rhode Island and Athletics have a long-standing policy of protecting the symbols that are associated with its name and its reputation. Because registered trademarks and service marks are valuable assets, they must be used correctly to avoid loss or dilution in the marketplace.
To view the department's official logos and trademarks, see the official Rhode Island Athletics Brand Guide (PDF).
Unauthorized Use of Marks
Any use of marks that do not comply with the department's licensing and approval requirements will be considered unauthorized and may violate Federal and/or state laws.
Available Licenses
The University of Rhode Island owns the rights to and controls the usage of the logos, symbols, verbiage and marks that reference Rhode Island Athletics. Anyone wishing to use an Athletics trademark must obtain a license. There are two types of licenses, managed by CLC:
- Retail - Allows a company to produce products bearing the trademarks of collegiate institutions for sale at retail in approved retail channels and direct to consumer, as well as university departments and related entities.
- Internal Campus Supplier – Allows a company to produce a product bearing the trademarks of collegiate institutions for university departments and related entities for internal consumption only; cannot provide product at retailer direct to consumer.
Licensing Resources
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why must I receive permission to use Rhode Island Athletics trademarks?
Rhode Island Athletics and Licensing Departments are responsible for upholding the image and maintaining the value of the department's trademarks. To that end, we need to make sure that all products used and distributed both internally and externally represent the University and maintain the integrity of the brand.
Who needs to request permission to use Rhode Island Athletics trademarks?
The use of any Rhode Island Athletics trademarks on merchandise or in relation to goods and services requires the permission of the Rhode Island Athletics and/or Licensing Departments. This applies to all students, student-athletes, alumni, staff, faculty, manufacturers, retailers, and customers. Any and all uses of names, numbers, and/or images of Rhode Island Athletics student-athletes must comply with University policies and NCAA regulations. Additional information on student-athlete approved usage can be found under
Name, Image and, Likeness (NIL).
Can I change the color of a logo or wordmark to fit my design?
Rhode Island Athletics trademarks and logos may not be altered in any way. All approved uses of Rhode Island Athletics trademarks and logos must comply with the
Rhode Island Athletics brand guidelines.
I am not using the Rhode Island Athletics logo in my design, do I have to use a licensed vendor and submit artwork for approval?
Yes. Many phrases are also considered trademarks. Because of this, all artwork involving Rhode Island branding elements must be approved prior to production.
Do I have to include the TM when using any trademarked versions of the Rhode Island Athletics brand?
Trademarked versions of our key branded elements should be used whenever brand protection is required. Appropriate applications can include print collateral, brochures, annual reports, newsletters, advertising, press releases, and video/multimedia to name a few. The
TM should be used until the branded elements have been registered, at which point a registered trademark symbol
® should replace the
TM. The trademark symbol should not be moved from its current position or scaled in any way.
Can I use Rhode Island Athletics trademarks with other names or marks?
Rhode Island Athletics trademarks and logos may not be used in conjunction with the name and/or trademark of any other entity without the prior written permission of that entity and the Rhode Island Athletics trademark team. Rhode Island Athletics' approval will be contingent on the other entity granting permission as well. If permission is granted by the trademark team to use both a Rhode Island Athletics trademark/logo and another entity's trademark, the Rhode Island Athletics trademark/logo must be distinct and separate from the other entity's trademark, and Rhode Island Athletics' trademark/logo must not be overshadowed or otherwise diminished in comparison to the other entity's trademark. Such dual use – of a Rhode Island Athletics trademark/logo in conjunction with another entity's trademark – will only be approved where there is a compelling institutional interest in allowing such use.
Are there any approved endorsements?
Rhode Island Athletics' trademarks and logos may not be used in any way that suggests or implies the University of Rhode Island endorsement of other organizations, companies, products, services, political parties or views, or religious organizations and beliefs. Exceptions may be made where there is a compelling institutional interest in allowing such a use; such exceptions must be granted in writing by the trademark team.
What constitutes unacceptable use?
All proposed uses of Rhode Island Athletics' trademarks on products must receive prior written approval, which will be given at Rhode Island's sole discretion. Rhode Island Athletics will not approve the use of Rhode Island Athletics trademarks and logos in connection with products or designs that present an unacceptable risk of liability or could be harmful to the mission or image of the University. Such unacceptable uses include but are not limited to the following:
- Alcohol-related products (other than approved corporate partner messaging);
- Tobacco-related products;
- Illegal drug-related products;
- Sexually suggestive or sexually-explicit products or products that include sexually-suggestive or sexually-explicit language;
- Products that could be used to injure or kill;
- Art or design(s) depicting or implying the use or endorsement of illegal drugs; tobacco products; firearms or other weapons; racist, sexist, hateful, demeaning or degrading language or statements; profanity; or sexual acts;
- Any products with statements impugning other universities or designed in such a way as to impugn other universities.
What constitutes acceptable use?
All authorized uses of Athletics marks must meet the following standards:
- All uses of Rhode Island Athletics marks must comply with Rhode Island Athletics Brand Guide.
- Rhode Island Athletics marks may not be modified in any way.
- Rhode Island Athletics marks may not be used in conjunction with the name or mark(s) of any other entity without the prior written permission of Rhode Island Athletics and that entity. If permission is granted to use both the Rhode Island Athletics marks and another party's mark, the marks must be distinct and separate from one another and neither mark may dominate the other in order to protect the integrity of both marks.
- No Rhode Island Athletics marks may be used in any manner that suggests or implies Rhode Island Athletics' endorsement of products, services, political parties or views, or religious organizations or beliefs.
- No one other than the University may claim copyright or trademark rights in or seek to register any design that uses Rhode Island Athletics marks.
- All uses of Rhode Island Athletics marks will incorporate the appropriate trademark symbol.
How far in advance should I start the design and approval process?
Most vendors require about 2 weeks after artwork has been approved to produce an order (not including shipping time). To allow yourself plenty of time, we recommend that you start the approval process at least a month before your event or project date. It is always better to stay ahead of schedule than to find out you must pay a steep rush delivery charge.
Do I need to submit artwork to Brand Manager 360 every time I want to order a product? Even if I am re-ordering previously approved items?
Yes. Every order you would like to place, whether it is a different product, a different color of the same product, a re-order of exactly the same design, etc., must be submitted as a new request in Brand Manager 360.
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ADDITIONAL CONTACTS
To receive permission for the usage of any Rhode Island Athletics' marks or if you have questions about how to apply any of the elements in this branding guide, please reach out to:
Brigid St. Leger
Associate Athletic Director of Marketing
401.788.3246
bstleger@theryancenter.com
Paul Whitney
URI Licensing Manager
401.874.5224
pwhitney@uri.edu
