Student FAQ
In order to help demystify the various rules and regulations regarding the use of NC State logos and trademarks, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions. Please click the question to reveal the answer. If this list does not answer your questions, please feel free to email us at trademarks@ncsu.edu.
I want to create a T-shirt for my family’s tailgating group using Tuffy and “Smith’s Family Tailgate” through an online custom print shop. How do I go about this?
Personal customization of the University’s trademarks is not permitted.
We’re creating flyers for an event on campus. Do I need to go through a licensed vendor for those?
Posters and flyers advertising a student organization’s events do not need to go through a licensed vendor. The vendor may ask you to provide a letter granting permission to use the trademarks, and the trademark office can provide that on written request. Posters or flyers that have commercial sponsors should clearly show that the sponsor is sponsoring the student organization and not the University. For a convenient approved print vendor, contact Wolf Xpress in the Talley Student Union.
I have a great idea for a T-shirt design and would like to get it produced for sale. How do I go about getting it in production?
That depends on your ultimate goal. If it’s to commercialize the design, you would have to work through a licensed vendor and negotiate any compensation with them.
Note that any intellectual property that you use in the design may require approval through an agreement with the vendor or with the vendor’s trademark licensing agreement.
If the goal is to see if the design can be commercially successful without any concerns about making money, we suggest entering the design in the Annual Student T-shirt Design Contest by Wolfpack Outfitters. If your design wins, you may get a nice prize and be immortalized as the designer for that year’s T-shirt.
For my student organization, do I have to fill out the Trademark Use Request form every time I have a new design? Or is it just a one-time deal?
Every time you have a design for your organization that bears the University trademarks, you must submit the design to the Trademark Licensing office for approval.
If I reproduce the same approved T-shirts that we supplied our club with last year, do I have to fill out the Trademark Use Request Form again?
You should fill out the Trademark Use Request Form again because the design may not necessarily be approved every year, depending on the current trademark usage. Policies and trademarks are subject to change and transformation over time.
How long does it take for a student group to get a design approved?
It generally takes around 3-5 business days for a design to get approved; however, you should submit your design about 2 weeks before you want to order the merchandise to ensure enough time.
Why can’t my student group use the old logos on our T-shirts?
The vintage logos are from a specific point in NC State history. To maintain their uniqueness and keep the University’s brand aligned with current logos, we must remain consistent. If too many different logos are released for use at once, it dilutes the brand we work so hard to maintain! We have specific licensees for the Almanac collection that are allowed to use the older logos, but they are the only ones that are granted the ability to do so.
Where do I go to double-check that our design is in compliance with the University’s trademarks?
The current marks and wordmarks are available in the Our Trademarks section of the website. We will review the design once it is submitted to make sure it complies with the University’s trademarks. For any specific questions, contact us at: trademarks@ncsu.edu.
Can we change the trademarks in any way to accommodate our club? For example, can I put scuba gear on the strutting wolf logo for my Scuba Diving Club?
You cannot alter the Primary Spirit trademarks (the Block S and Tuffy) in any way. However, you may use the PackPups™ youth marks and add scuba gear or other accessories to those for your submitted design.
Can I advertise our approved design on social media websites like Facebook if they are being sold for a fundraiser?
You can advertise your design on social media after they are approved for use of trademarks and fundraising. However, if they are an internal item (like team equipment) you may not advertise and sell them online to those outside of your team.
Can I put the NC State logos and word marks on my resume or business cards?
No, you cannot put the university’s logos and word marks on your resume or business cards. It would seem as if you are an entity or employee of NC State. You may use the University name in text on your resume within an educational entry.
Can I make T-shirts that use the NC State trademarks for a personal leadership campaign on campus?
No, you cannot use the NC State trademarks for any campaign, personal or political, even if it is for a student leadership position. It would imply that NC State endorses you, the cause, or a specific position.
If I see a club or student group misusing the trademarks, where could I report it?
You can anonymously report misuse of trademarks here.