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licensing

Trademark Protection

The name, York University, and all the names, insignias, logos, seals, crests, designs, marks or other symbols associated with York University, its Faculties and Colleges, are the exclusive property of York University. All use of these marks is protected and a license for use must be obtained from the York University Licensing Board.

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board grants qualifying parties a non-exclusive, term limited license to use the University's marks on merchandise and promotional articles. The terms and conditions of use are contained in the Trademark License Agreement (sample agreement at right).

York University wishes its names and marks to be associated with products produced under legal and fair labour conditions, and therefore requires its licensees to manufacture or imprint merchandise that has been manufactured under these conditions. To meet this requirement, the Licensing Board has developed a code of conduct with which all approved licensees must comply.

Licensing Program FAQs

  • Do individuals or groups at York (including students) have to use an approved licensee to manufacture products with York name, mark or logo on them?
  • Yes, in most cases. Exceptions are made for products created at the request of the University for its own use, such as authorized work or sport uniforms, trophies, plaques or other purely ceremonial products awarded to individuals to recognize their academic, extra-curricular or work achievement. For more detail, see License Requirements on the Licensing Board page. Click here to see the list of approved licensees.
  • Who runs the Licensing Program?
  • The Licensing Program is administered by the Office of the University Secretary and General Counsel through the Licensing Board and a Licensing Program Coordinator.
  • How does a company apply for a license to manufacture York branded merchandise?
  • Click on Licensees on the left menu for the steps to follow in applying for a license.
  • How does the Licensing Program benefit York University?
  • The Licensing Program has provided funding for numerous York initiatives over the years. Here are a few highlights:
    • Annual Sport and Recreation bursaries
    • 50 benches on York`s 50th anniversary
    • T-shirts for York Youth Connection day campers
    • The Vanier Green basketball court Accolade Building student lounge
    • Pedometers and campus walking trail maps in support of the YorkWise program