Q: How do I represent a proper University copyright notice?

A: Although copyrightable works do not require a copyright notice, we do recommend that you use one. For works owned by the University use the following template where the words in all capital letters represent variables you must supply.

Copyright © DATE The Regents of the University of Michigan
For information, questions, or permission requests please contact
UNIT NAME, UNIT ADDRESS, PHONE, ETC.

For instance, in the case of this website, we use the following:

Copyright © 2002 The Regents of the University of Michigan
For information, questions, or permission requests please contact:
Office of the Vice President and General Counsel
University of Michigan
4010 Fleming Administration Building
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1340
(734) 764-0304 -- phone
(734) 763-5648 -- fax

Q: With which University copyright policies should I be familiar?

A: We we recommend that you begin by reviewing the material at www.copyright.umich.edu, which is the University's central copyright page. You should find all relevant University policies on this page. If you continue to have copyright related questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Q. What are the ™ and ® notations that appear with the University name and logos?

A: The ™ symbol indicates that the word, symbol, or design it is placed next to is a trademark. The ® symbol indicates that the trademark is federally registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is important that these designations are used correctly, as they empower the University's enforcement efforts.

Q. What is trademark registration?

A: It is not necessary to register a trademark or service mark to prevent others from infringing upon the trademark, but registration helps us to limit any infringement and to allow the University to protect its property rights. Trademarks generally become protected as soon as they are adopted by an organization and used in commerce, even before registration. Goods or services sold exclusively within one state often are subject to state registration. More commonly, the fact that goods and services are sold through interstate commerce often entitles the trademark to federal registration. With federal registration, the registrant is presumed to be entitled to use the trademark throughout the United States for the goods or services for which the trademark is registered. Other organizations attempting to register the trademark will not be entitled to do so.

Q. What is trademark infringement?

A: Trademark infringement occurs when one company or organization uses the trademark of another to promote its goods and services. The ultimate issue in infringement cases is whether the public is likely to be confused about the source of the goods or services offered. Determining whether infringement has occurred requires a look at how the trademark is used, and the goods or services that were offered and how closely tied they are in the public mind to the original goods and services.

Q.When do you need a license to use the University marks?

A: Manufacturers wishing to produce products bearing the University marks are required to hold a license. Hundreds of companies are currently licensed with the University to produce in various product categories.

Q. Which products can be licensed?

A: Most products will be considered for a license. However the University reserves the right to refuse a license to any person, organization or company for any particular product. The University marks are not to be associated with and no license will be granted for the marketing of alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, sexually oriented products, gambling, or firearms. The University marks will not be licensed for use in association with other marks in designs that are deemed to be degrading, demeaning, or reflect poorly on the University. The University will not license products that do not meet minimum standards of quality and/or good taste or are judged to be dangerous or carry high product liability risks.

Q. How can I tell if the product I am purchasing is a licensed product?

A: Look for the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label. All licensed collegiate products are marked with this seal, either on the item's hang tag or the packaging.

Q. What happens if unlicensed merchandise is found in the marketplace?

A: Merchandise produced without written authorization may be considered "counterfeit" and subject to all available legal remedies, including seizure of the merchandise.

Q. What does it mean to be a licensee?

A: A person or organization who has been granted by the licensor the right, under certain conditions, to use licensor's trademarks.

Q. What is a licensee agreement?

A: A royalty bearing contract granting permission to a licensee to produce specific products bearing the trademarks of the licensor.