Trademark Licensing

The Visual Identity Guidelines have been prepared to assist students, faculty, and staff of FGCU, as well as external vendors, Swfl community members, and beyond to promote the identity of the institution.

Individuals and organizations outside the University must first obtain written permission before using any FGCU images.

Please provide these guidelines to any vendors. 

Download University Visual Identity Guidelines

 A distinct and memorable brand campaign like The FGCU Effect, along with a clear institutional visual identity, help set us apart from our competition, and paint a vivid, authentic picture of the FGCU experience.

These guidelines cover everything from the proper use of the institutional logo to selecting an appropriate photo image from the new digital asset management library to social media tips to help marketers and designers represent the FGCU identity correctly and integrate The FGCU Effect brand properly and consistently.

FGCU logos, wordmark, seal and athletic logos are registered and protected by law. Departments and outside vendors should contact the Director of University Budgets for trademark information and for licensing details.

Corporate units such as direct support organizations and corporate entities affiliated with the University must obtain approval from the President’s designee, the Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Marketing, prior to using the University’s registered marks.

ALL custom designed products with the use of Florida Gulf Coast University word marks, logos or trademarks must be produced by an official Florida Gulf Coast University licensee.

All licensees must submit final designs through the University’s licensing approval system (Trademarx) prior to production. The licensee is responsible for paying royalties on products sold with the following guidelines.

Royalty Bearing Products include:

• Any item for resale for any reason including, but not limited to, sold to the general public, sold to members, family and/or friends, sold to faculty, staff and/or students, sold for fundraising within a department, college, student club or student organization
• All other uses of marks unless listed below are royalty bearing

Royalty Exempt Products include:

• Campus department purchases (must be purchased with University department funds) including uniforms (not to be re-sold)
• Items purchased directly by FGCU and used for operation of the department such as stationary, business cards, name plates, nametags, etc.
• Promotional items purchased directly by FGCU and used to promote a department, instructional program or event directly sponsored by Florida Gulf Coast University

Faculty, staff, students, and friends of Florida Gulf Coast University are encouraged to spread awareness and knowledge about the campus licensing program. All internal departments are expected to abide by all trademark and licensing standards to ensure protection of intellectual property. Business Services asks that faculty, staff, and students promote and educate others on proper usage rights as appropriate.

For non-merchandise use on items such as letterhead, brochures, reports, etc., licensing approval is not required, however; the visual identity guidelines should still be followed. Trademarks and logos may not be altered and should be reproduced using a high-quality resolution image. These are available from the University Marketing and Communications office.

Student organizations that have items produced bearing FGCU marks are required to purchase them from licensed vendors and have the design artwork approved through the Business Services licensing office (licensed vendors will submit the artwork for you). Trademarks and logos may not be altered.

Intramural Sports Clubs and Registered Student Organizations (RSO):

• Uniforms or competition required apparel is exempt from royalties for Sports Club teams recognized by Florida Gulf Coast University
• All designs must include the term “CLUB”; including uniforms, practice items, team shirts, etc. unless written approval has been obtained
• An approved licensee is always required in order to produce any product or image with FGCU indicia.

All questions related to the use of licensees can be sent to Emily Chaikin, Assistant Director, Business Services at echaikin@fgcu.edu.

Florida Gulf Coast University recognizes that there are multiple organizations that support the University and seek to capitalize on a specific audience. However, any organization wishing to use trademarks, designs, logos, seals, symbols, mascots and slogans associated with or referring to Florida Gulf Coast University on products, regardless of use, must purchase the product from a current Florida Gulf Coast University licensed vendor. This is required to ensure that products bearing a Florida Gulf Coast University trademark are of the highest quality and meet all insurance and contractual requirements.

Each licensed vendor is responsible for obtaining design approval and remitting to Florida Gulf Coast University a royalty on the wholesale price of the product.

Advertising with FGCU and Showing Support

• Businesses may use Florida Gulf Coast University trademarks in a non-permanent fixture (i.e. window clings, removable lettering on marquees, etc.) to support specific Florida Gulf Coast University events with the prior written approval of Florida Gulf Coast University.
• Businesses or organizations may not use Florida Gulf Coast University trademarks in any type of advertisements, on web sites or on banners, etc. without written permission from Florida Gulf Coast University.
• Businesses may not use Florida Gulf Coast University trademarks to promote their products or services in print advertising, radio or television without a promotional contract in place or written permission from Florida Gulf Coast University.
• Individuals or businesses may not use Florida Gulf Coast University trademarks on a website without written permission from Florida Gulf Coast University. If approved, Florida Gulf Coast University will provide a disclaimer that must be used on the site.

Unauthorized/Prohibited Use

Businesses may not establish a permanent statue or icon, paint a mural on the front or inside of a place of business that includes Florida Gulf Coast University trademarks or likeness without written permission from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Individuals or organizations may not utilize Florida Gulf Coast University trademarks in conjunction with a candidate for political office or policy/legislative issues without written permission from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Prohibited Use:

• Alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, sexually explicit or religious graphics or descriptions, or unauthorized use of other trademarks is prohibited in conjunction with Florida Gulf Coast University’s word marks, logos or trademarks.
• The use of the Florida Gulf Coast University seal without the advance approval by the President or his designee is prohibited.

Contacts

• FGCU logo or seal usage, contact Associate Director of Design for Community Relations and Marketing, Dave Anderson, at (239) 590-7092.
• Licensing and trademark information, contact Assistant Director of Business Services, Emily Chaikin, at (239) 590-1196.
• Athletics logo usage, contact the Director of Athletic Advancement, Butch Perchan, at (239) 590-7030.