Trademarks & Copyright
University of Michigan Seal
The University of Michigan Seal is a trademark of the University, and its use is primarily limited to presidential and regental applications.
General Questions Regarding the Use of the Block M and Other University of Michigan Registered Trademarks
Send your inquiry to [email protected]. The answers to many questions can also be found on the University’s Identity Guidelines website.
University units should use the U-M “wordmark” on letterhead stationery, business cards, and websites.
Use of the University of Michigan Name, Marks, Seal, and Images in Political Campaigns or by Political Organizations
The University of Michigan has a policy that explicitly prohibits the use of any University of Michigan trademark or image in political campaigns or by political organizations. To download the policy, click here: trademarks policy.
Permission for Use of Material Copyrighted by the Regents of the University of Michigan
University of Michigan SPG 601.28 dictates that “the University units most closely associated with the creation of specific University held works may authorize uses of those works.” In an exception to this general rule, the Office of Technology Transfer controls uses of certain software as well as deliverables funded by sponsored activity agreements.
To obtain permission, determine what unit is most closely associated with the creation of the work you want to reuse. Then, find and contact the director of the unit or similar authority to grant permission on behalf of that unit. The work itself, University websites, and the University directory are likely to be the most helpful to you during this search. If you have difficulty identifying the appropriate University unit, you can email [email protected] with a detailed description of your request.
Copyright law permits certain uses of materials without permission from the copyright holder. In addition, many University of Michigan works are already licensed under open licenses, such as the Creative Commons licenses, that may permit your intended use. For more information about copyright law, you may wish to consult the library’s guide to Copyright Basics.
Michigan Marching Band Recordings
For requests related to use of Michigan Marching Band recordings or “The Victors,” please send an email to [email protected].