Maize block M with Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan on a blue background with x's in a grid

Michigan Medicine Compliance with University of Michigan Licensing Program

The University of Michigan “block M” is one of the most recognizable collegiate brands in the world, and trademark protections for our brand require that we properly safeguard the authenticity of the marks’ use.

All marks and logos associated with the University of Michigan, and therefore any marks associated with Michigan Medicine, are considered University of Michigan trademarks and governed by the U-M licensing program.

Any company that Michigan Medicine that wishes to produce products, equipment or materials bearing our “Block M,” “Michigan” word-mark or any of the university’s portfolio of trademarks must be licensed to produce U-M branded items.

Even goods produced for our own internal use – or that of our affiliates – in a promotional capacity require an “internal license” and must follow the standard licensing and approval process.

University of Michigan marks and logos are licensed through Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). Through this collegiate licensing program, the University maintains ownership of its various marks and logos in a way that helps ensure the integrity of our brand. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The list of licensees is dynamic. Use this website to look for current vendors that hold licenses to produce various types of branded goods.

Frequently used local vendors include:

Any item that will be produced with a U-M mark, including any artwork that includes the Block M, 'Michigan' word mark, or any of the university's portfolio of trademarks falls under the governance of the U-M Licensing Program.

The type of license that is required may vary (i.e., retail license vs. internal license) depending on whether the item will be sold or available for purchase by individuals vs. whether the item will be used by U-M, Michigan Medicine, or one of our affiliates, including for promotional giveaway use.

Generally, stationary, business correspondence and paper items are exempt from the licensing process. However, all brand guidelines should still be followed and Michigan Medicine Procurement has guidelines related to use of preferred vendors or competitive bidding requirements that may apply to Michigan Medicine department or unit transactions of $10,000 and over.

U-M will not license activity which it believes would disparage the University or any of its trademarks, or would be libelous, slanderous, offensive, and vulgar or constitute an unfair trade practice, or otherwise reflect negatively on the University.

In addition, licensees are required to:

  • maintain the appropriate level of insurance
  • register with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and meet all FLA requirements
  • pay for any required royalty advances (specific to retail items or goods that will be available for individual purchase)
  • abide by all brand guidelines of the University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine

Any vendor participating in competitive bidding to produce U-M-branded items must become licensed prior to producing the product.

All vendors MUST be licensed with CLC. In order to obtain a license, vendors must complete the licensing application.

Learn more about the license types and the licensing application process.

The requirement to utilize a licensed vendor does not preclude the necessity for adherence to the requirements set forth by Michigan Medicine Procurement, including guidelines related to use of preferred vendors, or competitive bidding requirements that may apply to Michigan Medicine department or unit transactions of $10,000 and over.

Any vendor participating in competitive bidding to produce U-M branded items must become licensed prior to producing the product.

Yes. All brand guidelines must be followed by any vendor licensed to use the U-M marks. 

Vendors must submit art designs to CLC for approval by the U-M Licensing Program prior to products being produced. The vendor is responsible for submitting the design to CLC through its channels identified in the licensing approval process. 

Vendors should expect to receive responses to approval requests within 5-7 business days from time of submission.

If you are creating the artwork to be supplied to your vendor and have questions about whether the artwork for your item is compliant, the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication is happy to assist with design or reviewing your design anytime. Contact the brand identity team via email. Ensuring your artwork is compliant before providing it to the vendor may save you delays down the line and ensure that the CLC approval process is as straightforward as possible. 

Essentially, there is no extra effort required by Michigan Medicine departments or programs, nor to our affiliates, other than to confirm that their chosen vendor holds a U-M license, or informing a vendor that the U-M is licensed by CLC so the vendor can obtain appropriate licensing status.

Please note that it can take 4-8 weeks for a vendor to become licensed if they are not already.

Yes. All items bearing U-M marks in any way must be produced by a licensed vendor whether they are for resale or for a U-M unit or affiliate’s own promotional use. Goods produced for internal consumption (promotional, giveaway, etc.) require an “internal license” and are expected to follow the same approval procedures.

Generally, all items that will be available for retail purchase or available for individual purchase are subject to royalties. 

Items and goods that are being purchased by Michigan Medicine or one of our affiliates for our own use or for use as a promotional giveaway are not generally subject to royalties.

Merchandise produced without authorization may be considered counterfeit or infringing and subject to all available legal remedies and may be confiscated by CLC or their designee.

All U-M employees are expected to do their part to ensure they are only using licensed vendors to produce branded goods and materials. 

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