University of Wisconsin–Madison

FAQ Category: Logos

Where can I find more resources and guidance on logo usage and trademarks?

UW­–Madison brand guidelines UW Athletics brand guidelines (PDF) Trademark Licensing policies Use of marks policy Sponsorship policy Advertising policy

May student-athletes use UW–Madison logos/trademarks to profit off their name, image, and likeness?

Use of UW–Madison trademarks by student-athletes is covered in the Temporary Name, Image, and Likeness Policy: “Student-athletes will only be allowed to use University trademarks, logos, symbols, phrases, slogans, or any other University intellectual property to further the student-athlete’s opportunities to earn compensation for use of her or his name, image, and/or likeness, if those …

Where can I download UW–Madison’s institutional logo, the W Crest?

The W Crest logo — with several variations — is available for download on the UW brand site. For embroidered or specialty print applications, such as on apparel, contact the Office of Strategic Communication for a specialized logo file (tan gradient in crest substituted for flat Pantone color 468c) or thread-color recommendations.

How do I request a departmental W Crest logo?

You can request and create a departmental W Crest logo via the UW brand site’s logo generator. The Office of Strategic Communication will review the request and supply logo files within three working days. You can also search for existing departmental logos via the logo generator. All UW–Madison departments/units with an institutional mission are encouraged …

May I use the W Crest logo without the “Wisconsin” wordmark?

Yes, in moderation — for example, when you are trying to use the logo at a small size that renders the wordmark unreadable. Another example would be using the standalone crest as a recurring element in a PowerPoint presentation. In limited circumstances, with size constraints, it may also be acceptable to keep “Wisconsin” (or, for secondary …

May I use the Numen Lumen seal on my materials?

No. UW–Madison’s historical seal, the Numen Lumen, is reserved for use on official administrative materials, such as certificates from the chancellor’s office.

May I use the Terrace sunburst chair logo on my materials?

Use of the Terrace logo and other Wisconsin Union marks must be approved by the Wisconsin Union marketing director.

May I use UW–Madison’s athletics logo (the Motion W) on my materials?

The Motion W is the official logo for UW athletics and is restricted to such use. It should never appear in nonathletics materials.

May I use Bucky Badger on my materials?

Bucky Badger, UW–Madison’s official mascot, is represented in logos that are most often used for UW athletics. Given Bucky’s long history as a spirit symbol, some nonathletic uses are allowed (for example, on materials with a student-facing or a statewide audience). If you are considering using Bucky on your materials, contact the Office of Strategic Communication …

May I use a uniquely illustrated version of Bucky Badger on my materials?

In limited cases, uniquely illustrated versions of Bucky Badger or the animal badger may be acceptable. Typically, these will only be approved for nonpermanent uses, such as a special occasion or a one-time promotional item. The illustrated Bucky or badger may not be used as a department’s logo or as a core part of its …

May student organizations use UW–Madison naming conventions and logos?

Registered student organizations may not use any form of UW–Madison (UW, UW–Madison, University of Wisconsin–Madison, etc.) at the start of their names. The UW–Madison affiliation should be listed at the end of the organization name, following a comma or parenthesis. For example: Checkers Club, UW or Checkers Club (UW–Madison). All references to the organization should …

May I alter the Bucky logo or other UW–Madison logos?

No. UW logos may not be altered in any way.

May an outside organization or business use UW–Madison logos?

UW–Madison marks may not be used by non-university entities, or in connection with non-university products or services, without institutional approval. Approval for use of university logos is required regardless of whether the entity has a formal business relationship or sponsorship agreement with UW–Madison. For use of marks on commercial products, such as apparel, approval is …

My department/unit is one of several UW–Madison co-sponsors for an event. How should our logos appear on event materials?

The UW brand site provides guidance for co-branding with other units on campus or with external partners. For best results, the W Crest logo should only appear once.

Which vendors may I work with to produce promotional goods and apparel?

All promotional goods and apparel using UW–Madison logos or trademarks must be produced and purchased through a licensed vendor. For items intended for internal use (e.g., department T-shirts), UW–Madison departments/units are strongly encouraged to work with an internal-use licensed vendor, a subset of all licensed vendors. Working with an internal-use vendor ensures that your purchase …

Which UW–Madison logos and names are officially trademarked?

For a full list of UW–Madison logos and names with active trademarks — including the W Crest, Motion W, and Bucky Badger — visit the Office of Trademark Licensing website. Individuals and companies that produce promotional goods and apparel using these logos or graphically represented names must comply with trademark policies, including licensing agreements and …

When must the registered trademark symbol (®) accompany a UW–Madison logo?

The registered trademark symbol must appear next to UW–Madison logos (W Crest, Motion W, Bucky Badger) when they’re used on promotional goods and apparel — size permitting. Other uses, such as on a website or in a publication, do not require it. Most licensed vendors will add the trademark symbol to the promotional item or …

May UW–Madison students use university logos on business cards or other personal materials?

University students and employees should not use official university letterhead or logos to conduct personal business. There may be limited exceptions. For approval, contact the Office of Strategic Communication.  

I noticed an outside organization or business using a UW–Madison logo (or an altered version of it). What should I do?

You may notify the Office of Trademark Licensing. UW–Madison takes the protection of its trademarks seriously to maintain the university’s reputation. The university works with independent licensing agencies and lawyers to ensure legal compliance with its trademarks.