Name and Trademark Guidelines

Rice University’s name and official marks are protected by copyright and may not be used without permission, modified in any way, or incorporated into any other name or mark.

Prior written permission from the Office of Public Affairs or the Athletics Department is required for any use of Rice University’s name and official marks.

If permission is granted, the trademarks must be separate and distinct from each other. All other trademark(s) and the Rice University trademark may not be overshadowed or diminished in any way by another trademark(s). All uses must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Public Affairs or the Athletics Department.

For use of Rice University’s official athletic names and marks, contact the Athletics Department for permission.

The university seal, also known as the academic seal, is reserved for use by the Rice Board of Trustees and the president and may not be used in any manner, including but not limited to advertising, direct marketing, collateral material, websites or promotional items, or by any other internal or external organization.

Only the Office of Public Affairs and the Athletics Department, in conjunction with the Office of the General Counsel, may claim copyright or trademark rights to university trademarks or seek to register any design that incorporates university trademarks.

Endorsements

Rice University welcomes mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses and other organizations. However, to protect Rice’s reputation and avoid misunderstanding, guidelines have been approved and must be followed when referring to Rice. For questions, contact the Office of Public Affairs.

Rice University does not endorse or do testimonials for products or services.

Accurate statements that describe a fact but do not express an endorsement may be allowable with advance permission from the Office of Public Affairs (e.g., “Rice University’s telecommunications department is a client of X Technology Group or has purchased X product”).

Promotional announcements that identify a unit at Rice University as a customer must be specific and accurate (e.g., It is not “Rice University” that is purchasing software, but the “Rice University Information Technology Department”).

The use of photographs of identifiable Rice University landmarks, buildings, statues, etc., must always be preapproved by the Office of Public Affairs. Situations which imply an endorsement of a product or service are not permissible and will not be approved. For example, an advertisement for a new car parked in front of Lovett Hall would not be approved.

The academic seal may not be used in connection with any promotional material or activity.

Licensing Requirements

A license must be obtained prior to any external, commercial use of the university’s name, identity assets (including identifiable landmarks) or trademarks, including manufacturers, retailers or service providers. Contact the Athletics Department or the Office of Public Affairs for more information.

Prior permission is required for any internal or external individual, organization or company wishing to use Rice University’s name, identity assets (including identifiable landmarks) or trademarks in any noncommercial manner.

Media and Advertising Use

News media are not required to obtain a license when using current trademarks to convey news and information.

Those wishing to use Rice University’s name, identity assets (including identifiable landmarks) or trademarks in conjunction with advertising, promoting or marketing a product or service must obtain prior permission from the vice president of Public Affairs or a designate. The use must be reviewed and approved prior to first use and each subsequent use.