Trademark Licensing

Johns Hopkins University owns and controls its name(s) and other marks, logos, insignias, seals, designs, and symbols (hereafter, “marks” or “trademarks”) that have become associated with the University. Examples of our trademarks include the Johns Hopkins shield, the name Johns Hopkins, Hopkins Blue Jays, etc.

If you are a faculty or staff member looking to place an internal order for merchandise with the Johns Hopkins name or logos, review the Promo Items and Merchandise page for resources and guidance.

Program Overview

The trademark licensing program provides the University with a formal means to protect the use of its marks and ensure that it shares in the benefits gained from the commercial use of its marks. Our program also:

• Ensures that products bearing Johns Hopkins’ marks are of good quality;
• Ensures that each licensed use reflects positively on the University, and
• Generates revenues on external sales for the University.

All merchandise bearing Johns Hopkins marks must be acquired from a JHU-licensed vendor. Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) manages licensing on behalf of the University. Through CLC, licensees submit all products and artwork for approval prior to production and, except where exempted in the policy, pay royalties to the University.

Reproduced marks may not be altered in any way. Refer to the University’s visual identity guidelines for further information.

Royalties

All vendors pay royalties on products that carry our trademarks and/or logos. The following categories of goods are exempt:

• Products used by the athletic department, specifically, game day uniforms, practice attire, and equipment.
• University schools, departments, students, and affiliated groups that order items imprinted with Johns Hopkins name and marks may be exempt from paying royalties if:
  • The items will be used for internal University purposes,
  • Will be given away at no charge or,
  • Will be sold for University-related fundraising.

Royalty revenue is managed by University Communications to fund brand projects that support the entire Johns Hopkins community (ex. branding the Blue Jay Shuttle fleet).

Types of Licenses

Johns Hopkins works with CLC to identify and cultivate new consumer product companies that can bring value to consumers through licensed merchandise. Companies seeking to produce products bearing university trademarks can pursue a license in one of two order categories:

• Retail: For sale in approved retail channels and directly to consumers; this includes the University Campus Book Store.
• Internal: For university departments, schools and colleges, student organizations, sponsors, and other affiliated entities for internal consumption only; it cannot provide products to retailers or directly to consumers. Examples of internal orders include but are not limited to promotional giveaways, staff uniforms, and conference gifts.
• Community Connect: Provides crafters with an opportunity to use their creativity without infringing the university’s trademarks, while still allowing the university to maintain the integrity of its brand. Local entrepreneurs may also use this license to test the market before entering into a broader retail license with the university. This license is ideal for fans and alumni who are interested in producing small quantities of merchandise.

Social Responsibility

Johns Hopkins University is committed to managing its licensing program in a socially responsible manner and is taking steps to help ensure that its licensed merchandise is not produced by companies exploiting workers or using abusive labor practices. Johns Hopkins University is a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). All licensed vendors are obligated to abide by the university’s code of conduct and are required to be FLA members.

Prohibited Items Policy

Any person, business, or organization interested in using the Johns Hopkins University name or trademarks for any purpose must secure the prior approval of the Johns Hopkins University licensing department. Johns Hopkins reserves the right to approve or reject any proposed licensee. Johns Hopkins University prevents the misrepresentation of its mission, goals, and reputation through careful monitoring of products carrying our marks and logos. Products licensed to use Johns Hopkins identifying marks must be of high quality and good taste. Among the products that the University does not license are food items, alcohol or tobacco-related items, healthcare products and toiletries, weapons, and items in bad taste. 

The following items are excluded from the Johns Hopkins Trademark Licensing Program and may not be used with any of Johns Hopkins University’s trademarks or logos:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco and smoking products
• Hygiene/healthcare products and toiletries
• Firearms and weapons
• Drug paraphernalia 
• Sexually oriented goods
• Goods related to gambling, lotteries, sweepstakes
• Religious or burial goods
• Goods making unfavorable references to race, religion, sex, national origins, or handicaps
• Infant amenities such as feeding bottles, teething rings, pacifiers, and rattles
• Services of any kind (i.e. moving companies, area entertainment programs, or tour services) unless authorized by the Office of the General Counsel.

Consumables (excluding mints or medical-like products) may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

Contact

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.