Trinity's name, logos, and visual identity are legally protected trademarks. Any use of these assets—especially for merchandise, external promotion, or partnerships—must follow university policy and may require formal licensing or approval.
Strategic Communications and Marketing (SCM) administers Trinity's trademark and licensing program and is responsible for approving trademark usage, overseeing licensed vendors, enforcing brand standards, and approving artwork and product designs. The Office of General Counsel provides legal guidance and enforcement.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property includes any and all university names, department and program names, class and event names, team names, campus landmarks, building and statue names, logos, images, and art associated with Trinity University—including the word "Trinity" as it relates to the institution. If it is thought to be associated with Trinity or created by Trinity, it is part of the university's IP and is trademarked.
Trademark and Registration Marks
To protect university IP, trademark (™) and registration (®) marks are required when university intellectual property appears on a product, regardless of how the item is being used.
If your official departmental branding does not include the trademark mark, your licensed vendor can add it and will confirm it is required.
Royalties
Royalties are required when Trinity trademarks are used for commercial merchandise or items produced for resale. Royalties are administered through Trinity's licensing partner, Nexus Licensing Group.
Royalties do not apply for:
- Internal university merchandise—such as event swag or departmental giveaways—when ordered through a licensed vendor for non-commercial use.
- Student organization items ordered for internal use (not for resale or fundraising).
If items are sold for fundraising purposes, royalties apply.
Ordering Trinity-Branded Merchandise
All merchandise bearing Trinity trademarks must be produced by a licensed vendor. Follow these steps whether you're ordering event swag or retail merchandise.
Step 1 — Choose a Licensed Vendor
Start with one of Trinity's approved licensed vendors. Licensed vendors already understand Trinity's branding and approval process.
If your preferred vendor is not currently licensed, they must apply through Nexus Licensing Group before producing merchandise with Trinity trademarks.
Licensing contact: Nicole Bevington · @email
Step 2 — Design Your Item
Work with the vendor to design your item using official Trinity logos. Download logos at dam.trinity.edu.
- Trinity faculty and staff: access logos using your DUO login.
- Trinity students: email @email to request access.
- Licensed vendors: already have access to Trinity's logos.
Step 3 — Vendor Submits Artwork for Approval
Your vendor will submit the design for trademark approval before production begins. For internal campus merchandise, the vendor will designate the order as internal use, meaning no licensing royalties apply.
Step 4 — Production
Once artwork approval is granted, production can begin. Allow a minimum of three weeks from start to finish when possible—more lead time is always better.
Licensed Vendors
Only vendors licensed through Trinity's trademark licensing program may produce merchandise bearing Trinity marks. View the list of approved vendors.
Unauthorized use of Trinity Trademarks
If you encounter unauthorized use of Trinity trademarks—including unlicensed merchandise, unauthorized logo use, or misrepresentation of the university—report it to Strategic Communications and Marketing.
Email: @email
Brand Guidelines