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Student Affairs

Student Handbook — Identity Use and Guidelines

There are a number of guidelines that govern use of the University's graphic identity and trademarks by student groups. These guidelines - administered by the campus Trademark and Licensing Office - regulate, promote, and protect use of the University's identity. The guidelines govern use of the identity for both on and off campus and for both commercial and non-commercial uses.

A student group must obtain the written permission of the Trademark and Licensing Office before it uses one of the registered trademarks for any purpose other than official University business. Trademarks include, but are not limited to, the identifying names "WSU," "Washington State," "Wazzu," and "Cougars," or the artwork such as the popular Cougar head symbol and the Washington State University academic signature.

The University identity is registered with the State of Washington and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. These registrations ensure protection of the identity while simultaneously enabling the University to collect royalties when the identity is used. The royalties are used to fund scholarships for University students. In addition, by ensuring that products bearing the WSU identity are of the highest quality and good taste, the Trademark and Licensing Office stimulates public awareness and promotes the University as one of the nation's finest institutions.

Student groups that would like to develop artwork for apparel or other memorabilia are required to use a WSU licensed vendor. These vendors are familiar with the licensing process and are responsible for knowing the rules for using University names and artwork.

Among the issues student groups should pay particular attention to are the following:

• Artwork used for student elections
• Artwork that promotes the annual Apple Cup competition
• Use of the University Crest/Cougar head alone

For details about the use of the University's graphic identity and trademarks, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 360-546-9599 or view the style guide.