Trademarks

A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination of words, phrases, symbols or designs, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others.

A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that it identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product.

Established University Trademarks:
Established University trademarks are administered to and maintained by ECU’s Director of Athletics under the University’s trademark licensing program. Any proposed use of University trademarks must first gain approval from Athletics.

The primary purpose of the University's licensing program is to protect the use of its (East Carolina University) name and marks. To accomplish this, the University has established formal licensing procedures that also enable the institution to share in the benefits derived from the commercial use of both its name and symbols.

The licensing program also is designed to establish a cooperative relationship with licensees to assist in the further development of market for "officially licensed products of East Carolina University." Through these efforts the consumer may have a larger and more attractive array of quality officially licensed products that support the University. The licensing program promotes a relationship by which the University, its licensees, retail outlets, fans and alumni will benefit.

All University departments and organizations may use the University's name and marks. Under the direction of the Athletic Director, the licensing coordinator in consultation with other University officials administers the licensing program. The University's athletic teams prominently display the marks to the public. This display provides the key platform in stimulating the sale of ECU "officially licensed products."

It is for reasons such as these that East Carolina University created a licensing program in 1983 to ensure that products bearing the University's marks are properly controlled.

New Trademarks:
From time to time a new mark is identified that has become or is expected to become associated with a particular research or degree program at East Carolina University. With the assistance of the Office of the University Attorney and under the authorization of the relevant Vice Chancellor or Dean, the Office of Technology Transfer will assist in the filing for trademark protection.