Merchandise Guidelines
Information for Individuals
Cornell, like most major colleges and universities, has a licensing program that regulates the use of its marks on items such as t-shirts, caps, key chains, mugs, pens, etc. The licensing process ensures that Cornell marks are used appropriately and only on products approved by the university, and that the products are manufactured under a code of conduct designed to reinforce fair labor practices and prohibit sweatshop conditions.
If you plan to have merchandise manufactured/imprinted and distributed, you must:
- Be sure the company that manufactures and/or imprints the merchandise is licensed to do so. You can download a list of licensed companies, find specific companies in the online database, or get a list from the Student Activities Office, 521 Willard Straight Hall, or from University Communications, 308 Day Hall.
- Submit the form Application for Use of Cornell Names and Artwork asking for approval to use the Cornell logo, insignia, or logotype. A separate request form must be submitted for each manufacturer selected. Because your signature and artwork are required, all requests must be submitted in writing.
- Write "the Cornell logo (or insignia or logotype)" where the Cornell mark would be positioned in your artwork. You need not provide a file for the Cornell logo since licensed companies have access to logos created for use on merchandise.
- Fax the form to 607-255-1116 or mail or take it to the Student Activities Office, 521 Willard Straight Hall.
Once your request is approved, please attach a copy of the approved form to your purchase-order requisition. In addition, a copy of this approved request form and artwork must be presented to the manufacturer before the items can be ordered.
An approved design will not require subsequent review and approval provided a licensed manufacturer is used and there is no change in the design. Generally, approvals will not place limits on the quantity of goods to be produced.
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact:
Roxanne Edsall-Beebe
Student Activities Office
521 Willard Straight Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Telephone: 607-255-4169
Fax: 607-255-1116
Information for Companies
The Cornell logo consists of two elements: the round Cornell insignia and the logotype "Cornell University." The two elements may be used together or, in certain applications, individually (see details, below).
The Cornell logo is a trademark of Cornell University. It incorporates unique features and may not be redrawn, reconstructed, or modified in any way. The integrity of the Cornell logo should always be maintained. It should be rendered in Cornell red (PMS 187), white, or black. It also may be etched on metal or glass, or stamped on metal.
Licensed companies in the Ithaca area have received a CD with approved logo files. Licensed companies outside the local Ithaca area should contact:
Mike Powers
Cornell University
University Communications
308 Day Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-2801
Telephone: 607-255-1573
Fax: 607-255-4763
Email: ffp1@cornell.edu
Guidelines for Logo Use on Merchandise
Complex and Simple Versions of Logo
In order to meet the technical demands of the various reproductive media used in merchandising applications, two versions of art for the Cornell logo are available for use by merchandisers:
- the standard Cornell logo (which is also the version used in print applications) -- see the logo art files labeled "complex"
- a rendition of the logo in which the art has been simplified (which is also the version used in screen applications such as the web and television broadcasting) -- see the logo art files labeled "simple"
Decisions about whether to use the simple or complex version of the Cornell logo should be made at the vendor's discretion.
Most merchandising applications -- those that use printing, silk screening, hot metal stamping, foil stamping, etching, engraving -- should use the standard (complex) Cornell logo, as long as high-quality reproduction of the logo can be assured.
In applications in which the integrity of the mark would be degraded due to limitations of size, process, or quality standards, it is recommended that the simple version of the logo be used. For example, embroidery applications, which by their nature cannot hold the fine details in the lettering and art of the standard insignia, should use the simple version of the Cornell logo. (It also is recommended that the technique of spider-webbing be used in all embroidery applications of the Cornell logo on fleece or other raised-pile materials.)
Formats
For use in merchandising, both the complex and simple versions are available in two formats -- the insignia with the logotype on its right, and the insignia with the logotype beneath it.
Trademark Symbol
In almost all merchandise applications, the inclusion of the trademark symbol with the Cornell logo -- ™ -- is required. These are the only exceptions:
If the trademark symbol would be so small that it could not be read, you may omit it and attach a label stating that the Cornell logo is a registered trademark of Cornell University.
If the merchandise is extremely high quality (e.g., gold or other precious metals, crystal), you may omit the trademark symbol and attach a label stating that the Cornell logo is a registered trademark of Cornell University.
The trademark may be omitted on banners, flags, and signs.
Color
The Cornell logo should be rendered in Cornell red (PMS 187), black, or white.
Size
In general, the Cornell logo always should be reproduced at a size that maintains the integrity of the mark and yields clean and legible lettering and art detail.
The minimum size for the round Cornell insignia in the Cornell logo on most merchandise is 7/8". The key factor in determining the size of the Cornell logo is the legibility of the words within the insignia. If they cannot be read, increase the size of the logo.
In embroidery applications, the Cornell logo should be used at a size that assures its insignia measures a minimum of 2 5/16" in diameter. The x-height of type in this minimum size of the logo is 3/16".
Minimum size for reproduction of the Cornell logo in other media -- silk screening, hot metal stamping, foil stamping, etching, engraving -- should be determined by the merchandising vendor. (Printing reproduction should follow the print guidelines.)
Backgrounds
The Cornell logo may be printed on any solid color or screen of color or textured, illustrative, or photographic background that is light enough to provide sufficient contrast for clarity and legibility.
Clear Space and Framing
The Cornell logo may not be integrated into an illustration, cartoon, or other symbol or logo. It may not be placed in such proximity to type, illustrations, logos, or other printed elements so as to cause overlap or visual encumbrance.
Using Only the Insignia
The Cornell insignia (complex or simple version) may be used alone -- without the logotype -- in merchandising applications.
The shape of the insignia in the Cornell logo is round. Do not render it as a rectangle, diamond, or any other shape.
Using Only the Logotype
In items that are small in scale and in which layout limitations do not accommodate the full Cornell logo, the Cornell logotype "Cornell University" may be used without the insignia. (In extremely small spaces, the word "University" may be omitted.)
If the logotype is used alone, it should be set in Palatino; in extremely rare circumstances in which the limitations of scale would result in the serifs of the typeface not holding detail in the reproductive media being used, a sans serif typeface may be used.