About the University of Pittsburgh Trademarks and Licensing Program
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Pitt people have defeated polio, unlocked the secrets of DNA, lead the world in organ transplantation, and experienced a long history of athletic success. As a world renowned institution, it is critical that entities representing Pitt and its image do so consistently and with integrity.
The University of Pittsburgh's Office of Trademark Licensing exists to:
Protect Pitt's image and reputation through appropriate and legal use of the University of Pittsburgh's trademarks and other intellectual property.
Promote Pitt through quality licensed products and other licensing arrangements.
Preserve Pitt's value by protecting historically significant and important trademarks.
Provide additional funding for academic and athletic scholarships from the sale of officially licensed merchandise and other licensing agreements.
School Colors: Pitt Blue (Pantone 661) & Pitt Gold (Pantone 1235)
Panthers Retail Partners
Look for the Label
"Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label and hologram, which ensures the items you are purchasing have been approved and that a portion of your purchase of officially licensed products also supports Pitt's academic and athletics programs.
If you would like to recommend a retailer who carries Pitt products, please e-mail the retailer store name and telephone number to licensing@athletics.pitt.edu.
FAQs
Licensing is necessary when a third party desires to associate themselves commercially with the University of Pittsburgh by using any trademark, trade name, logo, symbol, seal, mascot, or slogan that is associated with or refers to the University.
To promote and protect the School's image, and comply with Federal trademark laws, Pitt must approve any use of its trademarks. Licensing protects the University's reputation, good name, and image by permitting only appropriate uses and assuring that only quality products bear the University's name, initials, or logos.
A license must be obtained by anyone who uses the name or marks of the University of Pittsburgh for a commercial purpose. Non-commercial uses of Pitt's trademarks, including but not limited to products used for internal Pitt consumption or internal give-aways, require permission and should be purchased from licensed vendors. All items sold on campus to external buyers (including alumni) must be licensed and are subject to royalties. The use of a Pitt mark in advertisements, motion pictures, and on promotional items also requires permission from the Licensing Director and may require a licensing fee.
Consumers, fans, and institution supporters should look for the Officially Licensed Collegiate Product (OLCP) hologram label. All CLC institutions require the use of a OLCP hologram label on their products. This authenticator assures the consumer that the product they are buying is officially licensed and approved by the institution(s). If a collegiate product does not include the OLCP hologram label, consumers should be skeptical, although sometimes hangtag and stickers can fall off of a product or are exempted from use on smaller products. CLC recommends looking at other collegiate articles in and around the product in question. If the other products are not properly tagged, we recommend that the consumer contact CLC via the "Report Infringers" subsection of the "Resources" section of clc.com so that the issue can be investigated.
The unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this label or hologram are prohibited.
Contact Us
University of Pittsburgh Licensing
Petersen Events Center
3719 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261 CLC.com