Use of the University's Name
On September 30, 1791, an act confirmed an agreement which united
the University of the State of Pennsylvania with the College, Academy,
and Charitable School and provided that the name of the institution
would be "The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania." (1) To
facilitate communication both internally and externally, the institution's
name is commonly simplified as the "University of Pennsylvania."
The University regulates use of its name, including University of Pennsylvania,
Penn, the names of its schools and programs, its shield and related insignia,
trademarks and logos ("insignia") to ensure that such use is related
to the University's educational, service and research missions and promotes
its objectives. Responsibility for overseeing use of the University's names
and insignia lies with the Secretary of the University.
Official Use
Licensed Uses by Outside Entities
Private Use
Related Policies
When representing the University in an official capacity, all
units of the University and members of the faculty and administration
must use "University of Pennsylvania" in their publications
and documents. Approved University stationery must be used for
official correspondence.
University names and insignia may be used in connection with any academic University
program provided that the program has been approved in advance by the responsible
department chair and dean or director, and Provost, as appropriate. University
units, faculty, staff and student organizations that wish to use University
names or insignia in connection with any non-academic University program, activity,
service or product must obtain the approval of the Secretary of the University
before proceeding. Requests to use University names or insignia must first
be presented to the appropriate department chair and dean, director, or, in
the case of student organizations, to the Vice Provost for University Life,
for review. If approved by the dean, director, or Vice Provost, a request with
supporting information must be submitted to the Secretary for review. The Secretary
will review the proposed use and determine whether it is properly related to
the University's missions and, in consultation with the Provost, Executive
Vice President and others as appropriate, whether the benefits of the proposed
use outweigh any risks associated with the use. The Secretary may approve the
proposed use, with or without conditions, or disapprove the proposed use.
Licensed Uses by Outside Entities
University names or insignia may be used on products or in connection
with services offered by outside entities only under license from
the University. Requests for such licenses are processed jointly
through the Office of the Vice President for Business Services
("Business Services") and the Center for Technology Transfer
("the Center"). If Business Services and the Center determine
that a proposed licensed use may be beneficial to the University,
they may submit a proposal to the Secretary for review. The Secretary
will review the proposal and make a determination under the criteria
stated above and may take particular note of the nature of the
product, the proposed marketing plan, and the capabilities and
reputation of the proposed licensee. If the Secretary approves
the proposal, the Center is authorized to negotiate a license that
is consistent with the terms of approval.
Outside sponsors of University programs or activities often seek to use University
names or insignia in promotional or advertising materials. While the University
is pleased to recognize the contributions of sponsors, such recognition must
not suggest University endorsement of the sponsor's activities. Therefore,
University names or insignia may not be used in connection with any outside
entity's name or logo without prior approval of the Secretary of the University.
In general, the Secretary will approve uses which recognize or acknowledge
the sponsor's contribution to the University program or activity. Uses which,
in the Secretary's judgment, may suggest University endorsement or approval
of the sponsor's goods or services will not be permitted.
University faculty, staff and students may refer to their affiliation or status with the University in connection with personal activities, including consulting, provided that the affiliation or status is accurately represented and any title or position is accurately identified, and provided that such use does not imply University endorsement of the activity. In some cases, a disclaimer of University endorsement may be required. (See, for example, Handbook for Faculty and Academic Administrators, section II.E.10.). Use of University insignia in connection with personal activities is prohibited. The University's name must not be used in any announcement, advertising matter, publication, correspondence, or report in connection with personal or non-University activities if such use in any way could be construed as implying University endorsement of or responsibility for any project, product, or service.
All faculty, staff and students are reminded that University equipment,
stationery, campus mail service, and electronic media are to be
used solely for University business by authorized University personnel
and by officially recognized campus organizations. See Human Resources
Policy No. 3. Additional information on faculty and staff involvement
in extramural activities and organizations can be found in the
Conflict of Interest Policy for Faculty Members, and Human Resources
Policy Nos. 5 and 6.
1 Statutes of the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, p. 1.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Almanac, Vol. 46, No. 33, May 16, 2000
For permission, please contact:
Brenda Brand
211 College Hall
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303
215/898-7005
215/898-0103 Fax
nbrand@upenn.edu
