Show Printable VersionGraphic Standards FAQ's
The following are the most frequently asked questions about UH graphic standards, logos, branding and more. If you have a question that is not answered here, please check the Graphic Standards for more information on your topis or contact the Office of Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863.
- FAQ’s about the University of Houston logos
- FAQ’s about college, department, program or business unit logos
- FAQ’s about ad approval and formatting marketing pieces
- FAQ’s about the new UH brand
- FAQ’s about University of Houston Licensing
FAQ’s about the University of Houston logos
Who may use the University of Houston logo?
UH faculty, staff, authorized student organizations and licensed vendors may use the University of Houston logo. Students, UH alumni, donors, business partners, and all others need permission to use the logo from the Office of UH Marketing & Communication by using an Intellectual Property Use Permission Form (PDF downloaded here). See the FAQ, “How do I get permission to use the logo?” below for more information.
When should I use the UH logo?
Logo usage applies to all printed, digital, promotional, display, clothing, household items and video communications. The UH logo also applies to all UH sponsored web pages. When using a UH logo, you are expected to follow the UH Graphic Standards.
How do I get permission to use the logo?
To get permission to use the University of Houston logo, please contact the Office of UH Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863. You will be asked to fill out an Intellectual Property Use Permission Form (PDF downloaded here) to submit your request. The UH Marketing & Communication staff will be happy to provide you with an Intellectual Property Use Permission Form and walk you through the brief process.
How do I get the logo image?
If you are a UH faculty/staff member or authorized student organization, you may download the logo and other UH images in digital format from our photography Web Site. Log in using your Cougarnet credentials (cougarnet\username). If you are a student, alumnus, donor, vendor or other business partner, you may contact the Office of UH Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863.
All UH faculty and staff may use the university logos without completing a request form for use on reports, research grant proposals, or other business-use documents. However, a Intellectual Property Use Permission form must be completed for logos usedn t-shirts, pens, mugs and other promotional items. UH Faculty and staff are required to submit art for all advertising and promotional items, especially those bearing any UH logo, for Ad Approval. Students must request permission to use the UH logo on anything outside of routine school work. Even if they have permission, they are also required to submit art for all advertising and promotional items bearing any UH logo for Ad Approval. Anyone outside the university should also complete the permission form. This permission exempts them from paying a licensing fee or being fined for license/trademark infringement. The form should be submitted to the AVC/AVP of Marketing & Communication at University of Houston, 125 E. Cullen, Houston, Texas 77204-2046 (UH mailcode 2046) or fax 713-743-8185. A PDF of the Intellectual Property Use Permission Form can be downloaded here.
If you are creating t-shirts, mugs, koozies, keychains, coasters, cups, or any other type of item that can be sold or given away, then you will be required to work with a licensed vendor to procure the appropriate logo and have these items produced. Learn more about UH licensing, licensed vendors and Licensing Resource Group (LRG) here.
If a customer wants to use the university logo on merchandise for resale, who should I refer the customer to?
Anyone who wishes to use any University of Houston logo or mark on items they plan to sell or distribute should contact Licensing Resource Group, LLC (LRG) 616-395-0676.
Can I right click on logos from the website and use them for a print piece?
It is best to contact the Office of Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863 for logos. Images viewed onscreen are very low resolution—72 dots per inch (dpi) and will appear blurry if used for printing, which requires 300 dpi or greater. If you are a UH faculty/staff member or authorized student organization, you may download the logo and other UH images in digital format from our photography Web Site. Log in using your Cougarnet credentials (cougarnet\username). Licensed vendors can get logos through the Licensing Resource Group, LLC (LRG). Other business partners should contact the Office of Marketing & Communication. If you need help using the logos as you create your document, here are instructions for inserting logo images in some common software programs.
Can I have a UH logo in a different color?
The current University of Houston wordmark is available only in colors that are related to the official UH school colors that have a rich historical tradition and are immediately identifiable by internal and external audiences. The logo is available in the solid colors red (PMS 186), white and black. The two-color logo is available only in the specific combination of red (PMS 186) and silver (PMS 877). The color combination and placement of the two-color logo cannot be altered.
What marks are considered the current, official, approved logos for University of Houston?
All current, official logos, marks and symbols that are registered marks of University of Houston can be found on the Graphic Elements page of the UH Graphic Standards posted online.
The University of Houston logotype (a.k.a. wordmark) is the graphic depiction of the name University of Houston in a type format. It is a one-of-a-kind signature, which identifies our university and projects our unique identity. This logo is recommended for use in all official academic and university business applications. Spacing and size relationships within the wordmark have been carefully established and calibrated so that the university identity will remain consistent in all applications. There are multiple versions of this logo to adapt to various branding situations. These versions are called the Primary and Secondary versions of the UH logo. They can be seen with or without the “You Are the Pride” Tagline. See them in the UH Graphic Standards.
The Interlocking UH is also an official UH logo in three available formats; the Classic Interlocking UH, the newer Beveled Interlocking UH and the Athletic Interlocking UH. The Classic and Beveled logos are recommended for more informal use, especially among internal audiences and UH alumni. The Athletics logo is intended for sporting events and school spirit use.
Other official UH logos include the UH Seal, and various UH Athletics logos and images.
Can I continue to use older UH logos?
The current official University of Houston logos are the only authorized logos representing any college, department, program or business unit affiliated with UH. It is important to only use the current UH brand and approved logos so we can continue to build a unified brand for the university and solidify its image as a Tier One university. You can find more information on older University of Houston Logos here.
Is the Cougar an official logo?
Please see the FAQ “What marks are considered the current, official, approved logos for University of Houston?” above or the UH Graphic Standards about the UH Cougar Image for further information.
Is the UH Seal an official logo?
Please see the FAQ “What marks are considered the current, official, approved logos for
University of Houston?” above or the UH Graphic Standards about the UH Seal for further information.
What font is used in the UH logos?
The official University of Houston wordmark is based on ITC Avant Garde Gothic, but has been specially formatted to create a unique logo that is specific to University of Houston. The university does not have a site agreement with the vendor to place these fonts on every printer and computer on campus. The logo can be obtained through the Office of University Marketing & Communication in digital format free of charge. There is no need to attempt to replicate the logo. If you are a UH faculty/staff member, you may download the logo and other UH images in digital format from our photography Web Site. Log in using your Cougarnet credentials (cougarnet\username). Vendors and or other business partners should contact the Office of Marketing & Communication.
What fonts work well when used with the university’s brand?
The official University of Houston wordmark is based on ITC Avant Garde Gothic. We do not have a license for the whole university to use that font, but we do have a special agreement to use them only in the logos. Other fonts that are recommended because they are easily readable and helps project the UH brand are the Helvetica font family, Times New Roman, the Berkeley font family and the Trajan Pro font family. Click here to learn more about fonts and acquiring fonts you may not have.
FAQ’s about college, department, program or business unit logos
Can I create a secondary logo for my department/program/unit?To maintain a consistently branded image, the current official University of Houston logos are the only authorized logos representing any college, department, program or business unit affiliated with UH. Individual college, department, program or business units should not create independent logos to be used in place of or in conjunction with the UH logos. Examples of a college logo and more information can be seen in the UH Graphic Standards. Notice that the name of the college, in this case, the Bauer College of Business, is part of that college’s logo. If your college, department, program or business unit needs logos created, the Office of University Marketing & Communication is happy to assist. Please contact us at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863.
Why is it important for all logos on campus to be consistent?
As UH strives toward Tier One, having a unified, consistent and easily identifiable brand is more important than ever. All units within the university and affiliated with it need to draw on one another’s strengths as we engage the Houston community and the higher education community to show why we are a Tier One university. Research has shown that other top tier universities have consistent branding across all academic and business units. To present a consistently branded image, the current official University of Houston logos are the only authorized logos representing any college, department, program or business unit affiliated with UH.
Can I continue to use my college, department, program or business unit’s older logo? Even if it’s only for internal use?
As of Sept. 1, 2010, only the newer college, department, program and business unit logos are permitted for use in all university communications, advertising, and websites. Older style logos that are not in line with UH branding standards are no longer permitted. Research has shown that other top-tier universities have consistent branding across all academic and business units. Other research has shown that the individualized logos that many colleges, departments, program and business units at UH used in the past caused confusion to audiences both inside and outside the campus community. Many audience members had trouble telling which organizations were part of the university and which were not. If your college, department, program or business unit needs logos created, the Office of University Marketing & Communication is happy to assist. Please contact us at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863.
My department, program or business unit is different from others on campus. Can I have a unique logo or continue to use older branding look?
As of Sept. 1, 2010, only the newer college, department, program and business unit logos are permitted for use in all university communications, advertising and web sites. Older style logos that are not in line with current UH branding standards are no longer permitted. The only entities that are those that meet the requirements to become a recognized Exception Entity. See the Graphic Standards on UH Entities that may be Exceptions to Graphic Standards for more information. If you think your organization may be an exception entity, please contact the Office of University Marketing & Communication or at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863.
How can I still use an image that may be part of my college, department, program or business unit’s old logo?
Some college, department, program or business unit’s logos included an image or graphic that is symbolic of the department or its function. While it is not permitted to use any graphic, image or older style college, department, program or business unit logo or to attach it to any current official logo, an image can be used elsewhere in a marketing or communication piece as long as it is a reasonable distance away from any UH logo and is not being used as a logo or a prominent identifying mark. It can be used as a graphic or image only. Office of University Marketing & Communication and the UH Ad Approval team reserve the right to determine if an image is being used appropriately and within the guidelines of the UH Graphic Standards.
What is the difference between a logo and a graphic or an image?
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by organizations to aid and promote instant public recognition of that organization. It is used as a visual version of the organization’s name or it includes the name. The official University of Houston logo is a symbol that represents the university and what it stands for in the community.
An image (picture) or graphic (digitally or hand-drawn picture) is somewhat simpler. It does not carry as much meaning and is not used interchangeably with the organization’s name in visual contexts. An example is the image of a cougar. The cougar is the UH mascot. It is an important and revered symbol that is often associated with the university, but it is not synonymous with the name “University of Houston.” Therefore, the cougar image is an image, albeit an important one. It is a registered UH mark, but not a true logo. If you have questions about how to use an image versus a logo, please contact the Office of University Marketing & Communication or at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863.
We have the ability to format the logos at our college; can you send me a template?
UH logos are based on ITC Avant Garde Gothic, but the font has been specially formatted to create a unique logo that is specific to the University of Houston. It is not based on a template. The Office of University Relations can provide logos quickly and free of charge, please contact the Office of University Marketing & Communication or at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863.
Do I always have to use the “You Are The Pride” tagline?
“You Are the Pride” is the official tagline for University of Houston
and all its colleges, departments, programs and business units.
Colleges, departments, programs and business units are not required to
use the tagline and may opt to use one of the UH logos that do not
include it. When colleges, departments, programs and business units
forgo the use of the tagline, they are not permitted to use any other
tagline in its place.
Can I use another tagline besides “You are the Pride”?
When colleges, departments, programs and business do not use of the “You Are the Pride” tagline, they are not permitted to use any other tagline in its place with college, department or business unit logos. The “Carnegie designated Tier One…” tagline can be used with University of Houston logotypes (not college, departments, programs and business unit logos) in some cases.
You may only use this tagline with the University of Houston wordmark. You may not use it with any college, department or business unit tagline because the Carnegie designation and Princeton Review recognition were bestowed on the university as an institution. Attaching this tagline to a college, department or business unit logo would indicate that this part of the university received this designation, which would be misleading, however unintentionally.
FAQ’s about ad approval and formatting marketing pieces
How do I have my marketing and communications pieces approved?
The purchasing department requires all advertising materials per MAPP 04.01.03, Section VII, Item N to be approved by the Office of University Marketing & Communication before they can release funds to pay the vendor. The official MAPP defines advertising materials as, “Any written or verbal message submitted for publication in newspapers, magazines, radio, television, billboards, promotional items, web sites or any other written or recorded media with the intended purpose of persuading, informing or increasing brand awareness with a targeted audience.” The Office of UH Marketing & Communication has designated several marketing/design representatives to approve pieces, called the Ad Approval team. Approvals are required from two team members. To reach all Ad Approval team members easily, please e-mail a PDF of your piece to adapproval@uh.edu at least five business days before it is due. The Ad Approval team is tasked with guiding the UH brand to adherence with the UH Graphic Standards and appropriateness of representation of the university. More information about the Ad Approval Process is available in the Graphic Standards.
All forms of advertising, particularly those paid for by university or state funds, are subject to approval. This includes advertising created to support student organizations, student research and faculty research. Also, all items featuring a University of Houston logo or the University of Houston name are subject to approval before publication or printing. Only advertisements in the Yellow Pages, KUHT or KUHF are exempt from approval. If you are not sure if your ad needs to be approved, it is ok to submit it anyway. To submit your piece for Ad Approval, please e-mail a PDF of the piece to adapproval@uh.edu at least five business days before it is due. More information about the Ad Approval Process is available in the UH Graphic Standards.
Why does the name of the university need to be prominently placed on all pieces of communication, marketing, promotion and signage instead of a college, department, program or business unit name?
With UH becoming a Tier One research university, having a unified, consistent and easily identifiable brand is more important than ever. Having the University of Houston’s name displayed prominently helps maintain a consistent brand and helps make audiences aware of all that UH has to offer to various audiences. It’s important for audiences to know that the successful and honored colleges, departments, programs and business units that touch important communities and industries are part of UH. By the same token, the effort and resources that UH currently is putting into promoting its brand can benefit the colleges, departments, programs and business units as they work to attract more students, faculty and funds.
FAQ’s about the UH Brand
In 2009, University of Houston adopted a new look and feel for the university’s brand, complete with a new logo. The faculty and staff are valued members of the UH community and your support of the brand will help it be a success.
Why did UH adopt a new brand?
The “Learning. Leading.” campaign was fresh and effective when it was launched, but was no longer an active campaign. The university has new goals, new opportunities and new leadership. It’s time to update our communications to reflect that.
What inspired the new brand?
In 2009 UH reached out to Fletcher Martin, a top communications and brand strategy firm, to help research and re-imagine an updated brand. After months of interviews, focus groups, and research, Fletcher Martin recommended a brand image that emphasizes our strengths: diversity, entrepreneurialism, connection to the City of Houston and accessibility. The overall look is very editorial, with candid photos using actual students, urban landscape and actual UH scenery. The new tagline, YOU ARE THE PRIDE, is influenced by what we learned through research; that UH gets its identity from its students while the students at other Texas universities get their identity from their university.
Will my department have to throw away materials with the old logo and reprint new ones?
Continue to use the materials you have if you wish. However, when it is time to order new marketing and communications materials, please use the new logos. If you are a UH faculty/staff member or authorized student organization, you may download the logo and other UH images in digital format from our photography Web Site. Log in using your Cougarnet credentials (cougarnet\username). If you are a vendor or other business partner, you may contact the Office of University Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu or 713-743-8863.
Where do I go to order business cards and letterhead with the UH logo on them?
Branded business cards and stationary have been created. UH Printing & Postal currently produces business cards and letterhead for UH employees with the official university wordmark. You can contact Printing & Postal on their website, www.uh.edu/postal, or by calling 713-743-5900.
UH students and alumni may not use the official university stationery (including business cards, letterhead, etc.) because it is meant to represent UH faculty and staff only. UH students may use the specially created Student Calling Cards/Business Cards.
FAQ’s about University of Houston Licensing
Why do I need to work with a licensed vendor?
The University of Houston partners with the trademark management company Licensing Resource Group (LRG) to ensure that the University of Houston’s name and trademarks (including any logo, symbol, nickname, abbreviation, mascot, and slogan that are associated with the University) are used in an appropriate manner. Any business or individual that would like to sell a product using the University of Houston’s name or trademarks will need to work with a licensed vendor when creating t-shirts, cups, mugs, koozies and other gift, give-away or merchandise items.
What is LRG?
Licensing Resource Group (LRG) is a privately-held, trademark management company that was founded in 1991 that partners with the University of Houston to manage our trademarks. LRG has quickly grown to become a leader in the collegiate industry by partnering with over 170 schools, bowl games, and conferences. LRG helps its clients to develop their brand and manage relationships with local and national retailers in an effort to expand their presence and visibility in the marketplace.
How does a vendor obtain a license to produce items with a UH logo?
To download a copy of the application and license agreement, visit www.lrgusa.com. Send the completed application to:
LRG Michigan,
442 Century Lane, Suite 100
, Holland, Michigan 49423
What type of license do I need?
There are three types of licenses offered for various fees:
1. Standard licenses are for those licensees who are operating outside of the state of Texas or with multiple LRG partners. The standard license application fee is $300.
2. Internal usage licenses are for licensees who are looking to produce products that will be used by UH and not sold to the public. The internal usage application fee is $150.
3. In-state licenses are for licensees who operate within the state of Texas and only plan to contract with the University of Houston. Licensees within Texas, but who want to work with LRG schools other than just UH will need to apply for a standard license. The in-state license application fee is $150.
When do students and student groups need to think about licensing?
Students and student groups should always work with a licensed vendor and pay a royalty fee (see below: What is UH’s royalty rate?) when they are using University of Houston logos or marks on items that they are selling, regardless of whether or not the items are being sold for a profit or as a fundraiser (see below: Where can I find a list of licensed vendors?). If you have questions or need help finding a vendor, please contact LRG via Brad Coley with LRG at (336) 896-7907 or email Brad@lrgusa.com if you need a licensed vendor recommendation.
When do students and student groups need to submit projects to ad approval instead of LRG?
Items being processed though LRG need to be processed through Ad Approval as well. Please send the final proof (preferably in PDF format) for approval to adapproval@uh.edu. Anyone using any official University of Houston logo or mark is required to get approval before executing their planned marketing, communications piece or promotional item, per UH Graphic Standards. Here is more information about the Ad Approval Process.
Where can I find a list of licensed vendors?
You can find a list of vendors licensed with LRG by visiting the "vendor-list" page on the LRG website at http://lrgusa.com/licensing/vendor-list/ and searching the word "Houston".
What kinds of products cannot be licensed?
Any tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers will not be approved. All other products will be considered by the University to ensure high quality and a positive representation of the University.
Where can I find official logos that the University uses?
Once a license is granted, LRG will provide a user name and password that will allow the vendor access to high quality, production-ready logo artwork. The vendor will download the logo from LRG.
What is UH’s royalty rate?
UH’s royalty rate is 10% of the total cost of goods sold by the licensee. If you have any questions about royalties, please contact Rob Stewart with UH Athletics at rstewart5@uh.edu or Brad Coley with LRG at (336) 896-7907 or email Brad@lrgusa.com.
How do I get a royalty exemption?
When you and your licensed vendor are working on a project that features official UH logos and it is not going to be used to generate profit or is being sold for nonprofit fundraising, then you may submit for a royalty exemption. To submit for a royalty exemption, tell your vendor that the item you are working on is not going to be sold and that you would like him or her to request a royalty exemption while processing final approvals through LRG. Please note that the UH Ad Approval team, at adapproval@uh.edu, is not authorized to give royalty exemptions. Royalty exemptions can only be processed through LRG. If you have any questions about royalties or royalty exemptions, please contact Rob Stewart with UH Athletics at rstewart5@uh.edu or Brad Coley with LRG at (336) 896-7907 or email Brad@lrgusa.com.
If you have more questions you can contact: Rob Stewart with UH Athletics at rstewart5@uh.edu or Brad Coley with LRG at (336) 896-7907 or email Brad@lrgusa.com.
For more information about licensing, please see the UH Athletics Licensing Site: http://www.uhcougars.com/licensing/info.html
You can also learn more about LRG Licensing here: http://lrgusa.com/licensing/
You can find a list of licensed vendors here: http://lrgusa.com/licensing/vendor-list/ and searching the word "Houston".