Licensing sends our brand into the world
Northeastern University’s trademark licensing program exists to protect the University’s name, logos, and marks, while also enhancing the Northeastern brand through the authorized use of these assets on high-quality and tasteful merchandise.
This program helps safeguard Northeastern’s reputation while supporting responsible and strategic use of its trademarks across all platforms and products.
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From our primary logo to unit logos, our identity system is designed to be flexible, meeting needs across the global university.
Licensed vendors
Our bold design expresses our personality and caliber. Find more about our colors, typography, photography, and videography.
Report trademark infractions
Learn about our trademarks, find licensed vendors, and get resources to order merchandise and promotional items.
Information for vendors
Our digital experiences—including websites, mobile apps, user interfaces, and social media—should be seamless for users, no matter where they find us
Trademarks
The use of any trademark that identifies, or is associated with, Northeastern University may not be used without the prior expressed written authorization of Northeastern University (represented by the Manager of University Trademarks and Licensing) and is subject to the licensing requirements of these guidelines.
Northeastern University trademarks include any word, phrase, symbol, design, color, product configuration, group of letters, or any combination thereof that has been adopted and used by the University to identify and distinguish its goods or services from those of others.
These trademarks represent the identity of Northeastern University and are protected assets of the institution. Proper use of these marks helps maintain the integrity and reputation of the Northeastern brand.
University trademarked phrases
Examples of university trademarks include any graphic representation relating to the following:
- Northeastern University ™
- Northeastern ™
- Northeastern University Huskies ™
- Northeastern Huskies ™
- Northeastern Alumni ™
- Northeastern Athletics ™
- NU ™
- NU Huskies ™
- Huskies ™
- N ™
A complete list of logos can be found on the visual identity page.
Trademark infringement policy
Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights attached to a trademark without the authorization of the trademark owner or any licensees (provided that such authorization was within the scope of the license).
Infringement may occur when one party, the “infringer,” uses a trademark that is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark owned by another party in relation to products or services that are identical or similar to the products or services that the registration covers. An owner of a trademark may commence legal proceedings against a party that infringes its registration.
Unlicensed merchandise policy
Northeastern University is committed to protecting and preserving its trademark rights. Any unlicensed use of Northeastern University trademarks may result in legal action.
You can report a trademark infringement by emailing [email protected].
Licensing and vendors
Northeastern University’s trademark licensing program exists to protect the university’s name, logos, and marks, while also enhancing the Northeastern brand through the authorized use of these assets on high-quality and tasteful merchandise.
This program helps safeguard Northeastern’s reputation while supporting responsible and strategic use of its trademarks across all platforms and products.
Any business, organization, or person wishing to use the university’s trademarks or verbiage on any product must have a license before offering the product or goods for sale. This also includes sale to University departments, campus organizations and recognized student organizations. Premiums and promotions are included as well.
Licensing policy
Northeastern University requires vendors to obtain licenses for products featuring its name, logos, and other marks. This maintains the university’s brand and guarantees that products bearing Northeastern’s name are manufactured by socially and ethically responsible vendors that comply with fair labor standards, as defined by the Fair Labor Association and the Workers’ Rights Consortium. Northeastern University is a member of both of these institutions.
Northeastern asserts ownership and all rights, titles, and interest in and to its indicia, including all trademarks, mascots, slogans, and any other identifying marks associated with or referring to the university.
Northeastern prevents misrepresentation of its mission, goals, and reputation through careful monitoring of products carrying our marks. Every use of Northeastern-registered marks and logos—by external and internal groups—must be approved. Northeastern handles monitoring and licensing of its trademarks in partnership with the Collegiate Licensing Company. To seek licensing approval or for more information, please contact [email protected].
Licensed vendors policy
Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights attached to a trademark without the authorization of the trademark owner or any licensees (provided that such authorization was within the scope of the license).
Infringement may occur when one party, the “infringer,” uses a trademark that is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark owned by another party in relation to products or services that are identical or similar to the products or services that the registration covers. An owner of a trademark may commence legal proceedings against a party that infringes its registration.
Unlicensed merchandise policy
Only an officially licensed vendor may produce merchandise bearing the university trademarks. You can find a licensed vendor from this searchable approved vendor list.
A license must be obtained by any company or individual creating merchandise for sale or distribution, which uses any university trademark.
Frequently asked questions
Vendors and approvals
If my product is not going to be resold, do I still have to select a licensed vendor?
Yes, regardless if your product is for giveaway or for resale, it must be produced by an officially licensed vendor of Northeastern University.
I’m an official unit and want to order something with my name but no trademarks. Do I have to use a licensed vendor?
Officially affiliated units including colleges, institutes and centers must use licensed vendors for any items using the unit name regardless of whether Northeastern’s trademarked elements are included. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have questions about whether a unit is officially recognized.
Are student organizations or campus departments required to obtain permission to use University names/marks/logos on items used as giveaways, for fundraisers or for internal use?
Any department, student organization or club must utilize a licensed vendor when producing items using the Northeastern brand. This ensures proper procedures are being followed by both the licensed vendor and the customer.
What is the approval process for my order?
All vendors are required to submit designs for review by University Marketing prior to production. These are submitted via a CLC platform called Brand Manager 360.
Once submitted, University Marketing will review and provide feedback to the vendor via Brand Manager 360.
If needed, more information about a response can be provided by emailing [email protected]. Please include the item design in any inquiries.
The vendor is responsible for timelines prior to submission and any timelines after a response is received. University Marketing is not responsible for production timelines.
Specialty orders and requests
Do I need permission to have a graduation or wedding cake decorated with a Northeastern University logo?
Yes, permission is needed. Please reach out to [email protected] for additional information.
May public or private schools use any of the University’s marks as their mascot on uniforms, on buildings, on stadiums or for booster club fundraisers?
No. We are always complimented when a school wishes to use one of our marks as their mascot. However, our policy does not allow our marks to be used by any other business or educational institution, including public or private schools. If you would like more information on this topic, please contact [email protected].
May a business, corporation, or outside entity use the name or marks of the University in its name or as interior design?
The university’s policy does not allow its marks to be used for commercial or promotional advertising purposes without prior approval.
How can I make a memorial request?
Please reach out to [email protected] with details of your request.
About Northeastern University’s licensing program
How can I tell if a product is officially licensed?
Look for the “Officially Licensed Collegiate Product” label or hologram. Retail licensees are required to include the CLC graphic, hangtag or hologram with each licensed item. This confirms that Northeastern University has approved the sale of this product.
What do royalties support at Northeastern?
Vendors pay royalties on both internal and external orders. This fee is the sole responsibility of the vendor and may not be charged back to the university.
Royalties are paid to the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and then distributed to Northeastern University Finance.
Northeastern University Finance allocates royalty funds across the university. These contribute to supporting the university’s mission, initiatives, and students across all areas of the institution.
