Temple University is committed to conducting its business affairs in a socially responsible and ethical manner consistent with its educational, research and service mission, and to protecting and preserving the global environment.  As part of that commitment, the university expects its licensees to recognize their responsibility to respect worker rights and provide fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees producing products or services they manufacture, sell, or distribute.

To ensure these goals are met, the university has adopted a Code of Conduct as a part of its licensing agreements through Learfield Licensing Partners. The Code articulates the principles and standards licensees are required to maintain, and that the licensees are responsible for ensuring the Code is followed by their contractors, subcontractors, and primary suppliers.

In addition, Temple is affiliated with the Fair Labor Association and the Worker Rights Consortium. Temple also requires that all licensees that source or manufacture collegiate products in Bangladesh become signatories to the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh.

The Temple “T” was designed in 1983 by students in a graphic arts and design class in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture to celebrate the university’s 100th anniversary. Its design is intended to represent “strength and positive character, with open ends that are symbolic of the free exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a Temple education.”

Temple’s trademarks include (but are not limited to): the words TEMPLE and Temple University Owls; and logos such as the stylized Temple “T,” the Owl head and eyes, and the official Temple University seal. Our trademarks may not be altered in any way, nor may they be used in any manner that suggests or implies Temple’s endorsement of other organizations, companies, products, services, political parties or views, or religious organizations or beliefs.

If you have questions about Temple logo and trademark “do’s and don’ts,” contact Veronica Aymer in Business Services at 215-204-0589 or [click-for-email].

View Temple’s logo guidelines.

• Temple University usage guidelines (PDF)
• Temple University vintage guidelines (PDF)

Temple trademarks may not be altered in any way. Temple trademarks may not be used in any manner that suggests or implies Temple's endorsement of other organizations, companies, products, services, political parties or views, or religious organizations or beliefs.

Temple's trademarks may not be used in any way that discriminates or implies discrimination against any persons or groups based on age, ancestry, belief, color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or in any other way that would be a violation of Temple's anti-discrimination policies or practices.

No one other than Temple may claim copyright or trademark rights or seek to register any design that uses Temple trademarks.

All uses of Temple’s trademarks on products will incorporate the appropriate trademark designation symbols (®/™).

Temple will not approve the use of Temple trademarks in connection with certain types of products. These include, but are not limited to the following.

• Products that could be used to injure or kill
• Alcohol-related products
• Tobacco-related products
• Illegal drug-related products
• Sexually suggestive products or language
• Gambling-related products
• Products that present an unacceptable risk of liability
• Products that could be harmful to the mission or image of the institution

Certain artwork or designs will not be approved for use in conjunction with Temple's trademarks. These include, but are not limited to the following.

Art depicting or implying the use or endorsement of

• alcohol;
• illegal drugs;
• tobacco products;
• firearms or other weapons;
• racist, sexist, hateful, demeaning or degrading language or statements;
• profanity;
• sexual acts; and
• statements impugning other universities.

Approval to use a Temple trademark for a one-time application only (for example, a T-shirt) does not constitute approval to use the trademark again, or in connection with any other item, or to change the design in any way, without seeking additional approval.

Student Athletes
Any and all uses of the names, numbers, and/or images of Temple student athletes must comply with Temple policies and NCAA regulations. Questions should be directed to the Office of Business Services, which will consult as appropriate with Temple Athletics.

All uses of Temple’s trademarks on products require prior approval from the Office of Business Services, even if the proposed uses do not involve the sale of a product (e.g., promotional items for conferences or meetings, items for fundraisers, items for giveaways, gifts, etc.). Officially recognized student organizations and clubs, along with university departments may purchase items displaying Temple’s trademarks for internal and/or promotional use by following these easy steps.

1. Contact Veronica Aymer in the Business Services Office at 215-204-0589 or [click-for-email] to discuss your ideas, intended logo use, and to identify vendors. The Business Services Office can also brainstorm ideas with you, if needed, and guide you to licensed vendors who manufacture the items you want. Start this process early, at least 30 days before your event.

2. Select the licensed vendor and product(s). We encourage you to research pricing and speak with at least three (3) licensed vendors prior to making your final decision. In addition, we encourage you to ask licensees to provide you with samples of the products. Approved standard, internal and vintage collection licensees can be found here.

• CLC Licensee Search
• Temple University Internal Licensee List (PDF)
• Temple University Owl Originals Vintage Licensee List (PDF)

Contact Veronica Aymer at 215-204-0589 or [click-for-email] with questions.

3. Create the design for your order. Our licensees are familiar with Temple’s logo use policies. They also have access to Temple’s approved marks and will submit the design to Temple’s Business Services Office for approval prior to production. Vendors must submit the design to Business Services via Brand Manager 360, CLC's online artwork management tool.

NOTE: If your school, college or department needs assistance creating a group-specific Temple logo, please contact Mary Ann Fong in the Strategic Marketing and Communications Office at 215-204-7571 or [click-for-email]. Never create your own logo!

4. Upon final approval, place your order!

Trademark Uses That May Not Require Approval

Certain uses of Temple’s trademarks do not require prior approval from Temple's Office of Business Services, including use by Temple departments, groups, and registered student organizations during the ordinary course of conducting Temple business.  The provisional use of the trademarks requires that no changes are made to the design or approved colors of Temple’s trademarks and that the logo use guidelines are followed.

Examples include the use of unmodified Temple trademarks on stationery, business cards, reports, official Temple catalogs, publications, reports and similar materials, and materials used in academic courses. Another exception is the use of the Temple name or other trademarks in connection with news reporting and other fair uses that do not undermine Temple’s rights to its trademarks. Temple departments, groups, and registered student organizations may not assign rights to or otherwise grant permission to any other entity for use of Temple trademarks for any purpose without prior review and approval by Temple’s Office of Business Services. Stationery products can be ordered through Staples Business Solutions (TUmarketplace), and it is recommended that Temple’s in-house Creative Services Office be contacted first for all other stationery needs.

Products must be purchased from licensed manufacturers only (Temple licensees). All products bearing Temple’s trademarks must be purchased only from Temple licensees in order to ensure consistency in the use of Temple’s trademarks and to ensure compliance with a wide range of requirements associated with the manufacture and use of Temple’s trademarks. There are more than 100 companies officially licensed by Temple to manufacture products which bear Temple’s trademarks. View a complete list of “approved” vendors.

All vendors and manufacturers—including advertising specialty companies—of products bearing Temple’s trademarks must enter into a trademark license agreement with the university’s licensing agent, CLC. Once the licensing process is complete, companies may access digital files of Temple’s trademarks via Brand Manager 360.

All products branded with a Temple trademark require licensing. This includes items sold at retail and items distributed by academic and administrative departments, student organizations, and other internal units. There are multiple types of licenses available for Temple thaat depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to the type of product, how it is manufactured, the company’s location and the intended distribution of the products.

Temple Owl Originals Vintage Collection 

The Temple Owl Originals Vintage Collection is a label created to celebrate the academic, athletic and lifestyle traditions associated with Temple University. The label contains the images and logos exhumed from collegiate archives, which have now contributed to the creation of unique vintage-inspired clothing and accessories. The label assures consumers that such items are officially approved and authenticated by Temple University.

Standard Licensees

Standard Licensees can produce product with Temple University trademarks for external resale, including but not limited to wholesale and retail, and fundraising.

Internal Use (aka Restricted) Licensees

Internal licensees are able to produce product with Temple University trademarks for internal Temple use only. Products produced by these companies cannot be resold and are intended for the direct use of university departments and recognized student organizations.  This license does not cover sales made to the university bookstore. 

Other license types include international and promotional.

If your company would like to obtain a Temple University license, contact CLC. For information about the license application and approval process, visit CLC online, call 770-956-0520 or email [click-for-email].