Licensing & Trademarks

About our name

Our official name is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, but using the full name is cumbersome. Thus, using “Virginia Tech” is preferable in all but formal uses.

Virginia Tech is used in news releases, feature articles, and publications and on the Web. When using the full name of the university, never use an ampersand instead of “and.” Never use VPI&SU, VPI and SU, VA Tech, or Virginia Tech University.

“Tech” is acceptable after a first reference to “Virginia Tech,” but it should not be used repeatedly or solely.

“VT” and “Va. Tech” are acceptable only in limited, informal situations, such as a news headline where space is tight. Do not use “VT” or “Va. Tech” in body copy, in titles of publications, on signs, or in any formal publication.

Questions concerning usage of the university name and/or nickname should be directed to styleguide@vt.edu or 540/231-9468.

Departmental and student licensing information guidelines

The university may be referred to in the following ways:

  • Virginia Tech®
  • Hokies®
  • Virginia Tech Hokies®
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University®

The following marks are incorrect and thus are not acceptable in referring to the university, either graphically or editorially:

  • VPI
  • Va (or VA) Tech
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute
  • Virginia Tech University

Other trademarks include:

  • The HokieBird®
  • *The university seal
  • *The university shield
  • *The university logo
  • The athletic VT®
  • Hokie Tracks™

* Note that the ® designation would be used with the graphic representation of these trademarks.

The trademarked HokieBird® and/or VT® are limited to athletic and informal usage and must not be used for academic applications, academic products, or university websites.

The university shield has a protected area. No lines, words, or artwork may overlap or intersect this mark, and no changes may be made to the design.

The ® designation must be used in conjunction with all university marks with the exception of Hokie Tracks™, which requires the ™ designation.

The official Virginia Tech colors are maroon (PMS 208) and orange (PMS 158).

Virginia Tech marks may not be used in conjunction with other trademarks or registered marks without written permission from the owner of the mark. Questions about the status of a mark should be referred to the Office of Licensing & Trademarks Administration. The licensing office will provide assistance in determining proprietary rights (for example, using Virginia Tech with the Nike slogan “Just Do It,” or using VT with U.Va.) and will answer questions about the status of a mark.

Virginia Tech marks may not be used in conjunction with references to alcohol or drugs. Nor will any use of university trademarks that is judged to be in poor taste be allowed.

Royalties are usually waived for items produced exclusively for a specific club, organization, or department when the design bears the name of the group and the products are being sold to the members at cost. Items bearing generic designs that are being sold as fundraisers are subject to standard royalty rates. A determination of royalty rates will be made on a case-by-case basis by the licensing office.

University departments, colleges, organizations, and the vendor must obtain written permission by e-mail or fax from the licensing office to use Virginia Tech marks. Examples include, but are not limited to, pens, notebooks, caps, shirts, jackets, glassware, pins, and key rings. An approval letter will be submitted to the vendor printing the item. The letter will serve as the university’s approval for the vendor to produce Virginia Tech marks and will inform the vendor of royalty requirements.

Only licensed vendors may produce items bearing university trademarks.

Students

Students wanting to produce T-shirts and other commercial-type items must submit designs to the licensing office for written approval through a licensed vendor or must e-mail the artwork to the office.

Departments

Departments should adhere to the following guidelines for purchasing items bearing Virginia Tech trademarks with either speed purchase orders (SPOs) or American Express:

  • The design being purchased must be submitted to the licensing office for approval before the order is placed.
  • The name of the vendor producing the order should be submitted to the licensing office with the design. The vendor must be licensed with the university. If the vendor selected is not licensed, the licensing director will determine whether or not the vendor may be used.
  • If the design is approved, the licensing office will write an approval letter allowing the vendor to produce the design and giving the vendor royalty information. A copy of this letter should be submitted to the vendor with the SPO.

Requisition for purchase

The design being purchased must be submitted to the licensing office for approval before the requisition is sent to the Purchasing Office.

If the design is approved, the licensing office will write an approval letter that references the requisition number. A copy of the letter should be attached to the requisition package and submitted to the Purchasing Office.

The vendor winning the bid must be licensed with the university or must sign the one-time limited agreement that will be forwarded to them by the Purchasing Office.

Application information

The Office of Licensing and Trademark Administration protects and controls the use of Virginia Tech’s name, nicknames, and other identifying marks. Companies and individuals wishing to use these marks are required to enter into a nonexclusive trademark license agreement with the university. The process consists of three phases:

  • Phase I: The application is completed by the prospective licensee and returned with a $50.00 administrative fee, samples of the products to be licensed, and product specification sheets for each item. The application will be reviewed and, if approved, the applicant enters Phase II. If the application is disapproved, samples will be returned.
  • Phase II: A nonexclusive licensing agreement is forwarded to the applicant. The applicant signs the agreement and returns it to Virginia Tech with a $250.00 advance royalty guarantee and a certificate of insurance that meets all requirements listed in section 13.1 of the contract.
  • Phase III: A fully executed copy of the agreement is returned to the new licensee. The licensee also receives artwork, royalty forms, product specification forms, and labeling information, which completes the licensing process. All contracts for Virginia Tech are renewed on July 1 of each year, regardless of the date one becomes licensed.

Virginia Tech requires the ® designation with all trademarks (except for Hokie Tracks™, which requires the ™ designation) and a royalty percentage. All designs must be approved by the Office of Licensing & Trademarks Administration before manufacture or distribution. The licensing agreement details all requirements for licensees and should be read carefully upon receipt.

A licensing application is available in PDF format at http://www.unirel.vt.edu/licensing/documents/5401.pdf. The complete application and $50.00 application fee and samples of products to be licensed should be mailed to:

Virginia Tech Licensing Office
Southgate Drive (0161)
Blacksburg, VA 24061

For additional information about Virginia Tech’s licensing program, contact licensing@vt.edu or 540/231-3748 or access http://www.unirel.vt.edu/licensing.