Trademarks + Licensing for Student Groups
On this page
Using U of A visuals on printed materials or swag is a great way to show your university pride and connect to the student experience. This page provides an overview of what’s required for Recognized Student Groups (RSGs) to use U of A trademarks properly on printed materials, apparel, and promotional items. You’ll find key steps, tips, and examples to help you through the process - from naming your group and designing logos, to licensing, ordering merchandise, and requesting approvals.
To use any U of A trademarks, your student group must:
- Be a Recognized Student Group (RSG), and
- Get written approval from the Trademarks & Licensing Office (TLO) in External Relations
U of A trademarks include (but aren’t limited to):
- The full name “¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥”
- Short forms like “U of A” and “U¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥”
- All official U of A logos
- Athletics team names and logos
- Any other registered marks owned by the university
For a complete list, visit: Registered Trademarks & Logos »
Not sure if your group is an RSG?
- Visit for a current list
- Or register through the
Naming your Student Group and Logo Design
When naming your student group or designing a logo, you may use the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ name within the RSG name, only if the group’s name includes a designation like “club,” “students’ association,” or “student group.” (i.e. ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Dance Club, Biochemistry Graduate Students’ Association of the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥). RSGs are not permitted to use the university’s logo or any part of the university's logo within the RSG logo design. Student groups that wish to use the university name or "U of A" within their logo design are required to contact the TLO for approval. Student group names must make it clear that the entity is student-run, not university-run.
¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Athletics trademarks are not permitted to be used by any RSG in its name or logo design as these are solely reserved for use by Athletics (ie. GUBA, Patches, Paw Print, Pandas, Golden Bears). For example, "¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Panda Fans" would not be approved for use.
Once a name has been selected, will review all RSG names and logos upon registering your student group to ensure compliance with university policies. Those that are not compliant will require the review and approval of the TLO.
Note: If your external affiliation requires a naming convention that is not aligned with ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ trademark policies, please reach out to the TLO at trademarks@ualberta.ca before submitting your registration form to Student Group Services.
How to Order Merchandise
Step 1 - U of A Trademark Approval
Receive approval from the Trademarks & Licensing Office to use U of A trademarks. You will need to provide the following information as part of your request:
- What are the items?
- How many of the items?
- Who is the supplier of those items? Merchandise must be purchased from either The Bookstore or a licensed merchandise vendor.
- When does the RSG want to purchase those items?
- How will the items be distributed/what is the purpose for the items? (i.e. sold for fundraising, given away as promotional items)
- What is the requested design and/or logos and/or names on the items?
Step 2 - Design Process and Approvals
Before you begin the design process, be sure to review the Student Group Merchandise Guidelines. These can be requested by emailing trademarks@ualberta.ca. These guidelines provide important rules and visual examples for how to properly use U of A trademarks on your item, and when you must identify as a student group. All designs must be approved by the Trademarks & Licensing Office.
When do you need to identify as a student group?
It depends on how the university name or trademarks appear in your design:
University + Student Group Name (with spacing)
You can use the U of A logo or name with your student group name, as long as they’re clearly separated. No student group identifier needed (e.g., "club" or "association").
Pre-approved Bookstore Designs
You may add your group name to pre-approved bookstore designs, but no additional customization is permitted. No student group identifier needed (e.g., "club" or "association").
Custom Designs with University Name
You may use a custom design with the University name (no logo), but you must identify as a student group using terms like “club” or “association” (e.g., ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Robotics Club).
Custom Designs without University Mention
No university trademarks or names? No need to identify as a student group.
See the full guidelines for visual examples and detailed instructions.
Step 3 - Submit your Design for approval
Submit your design to the TLO for review and approval. The TLO will review and confirm if a license is required.
Step 4 - Placing an Order
Once your design and/or license is approved, you may proceed with your order through or from our list of licensed vendors.
When You Need a License
A license agreement is a simple, legal document that outlines the RSG’s responsibilities to the U of A in order for the RSG to use the requested name and/or logo for a specified purpose.
Once your design has been approved by the Trademarks and Licensing Office, you will be required to provide the following information for the license:
- the name of the group that will appear on the license;
- the address of the group;
- the names of two persons who are able to sign the license on the group’s behalf.
A license is required if:
- You are purchasing and/or producing custom merchandise through The Bookstore or a licensed merchandise vendor if it bears any ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ trademark.
- You are purchasing merchandise bearing the University mark/name with a fundraising premium and they are being resold for fundraising purposes.
- You are purchasing and/or producing merchandise for promotional giveaways with extra design added to standard branded items.
A license is not required if:
- Your goods include a custom student group design but no university mark/name
- You are purchasing in-stock merchandise through The Bookstore without any customization (ie. embroidery)
Co-Branding
Co-branding goes beyond sponsorship acknowledgements that may require the placement of multiple logos in one area on the same item. Please contact the trademarks office if co-branding is a consideration for further instruction.
Websites and Social Media
Recognized Student Groups (RSGs) are not permitted to purchase domain names that use the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s name or the “ualberta” moniker. If an RSG has purchased such a domain, they may be required to transfer ownership of the domain to the university (while still retaining ownership and control of the website’s content). In addition, RSGs may not use any U of A trademarks on websites or social media without express permission from the Trademarks & Licensing Office (TLO).