Purdue Licensing

Purdue owns and controls the use of many entities associated with the University and all of its campuses, whether registered or not. They are collectively called trademarks, and Purdue trademarks the University's:

  • Logos
  • Insignias
  • Seals
  • Designs
  • Symbols
  • Service marks
  • Trade dress
  • Trade names
  • Depictions of campus buildings used commercially
  • Other trademarks

These Purdue trademarks include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • The word "Purdue"
  • The word "Purdue University"
  • The words "Boilermaker," "Boilermakers," "Boilers" and "Boiler"
  • The University Seals
  • Purdue Pete
  • The Boilermaker Special or any derivations therefrom
  • Any other such trademarks as are owned, developed and adopted from time to time by the University

In order to meet the public demand for goods and services bearing Purdue's trademarks, Purdue grants nonexclusive, royalty-bearing licenses to companies to produce, market, and sell such goods and services. Purdue may or may not be represented in these licensing matters through agency agreements with licensing agents. The administrative responsibility for the trademark licensing program rests in the Purdue Office of Marketing and Media and, for purposes of this policy, is referred to as Purdue Trademarks and Licensing.

Any staff member, faculty member, student, student group or organization, outside individual, commercial organization, or company wishing to use Purdue's trademarks for commercial purposes (including fundraising for student groups) must obtain permission to do so. All use of Purdue's trademarks must be done under license or permission granted by the University.

Use of Purdue's trademarks without license or permission is strictly prohibited. Prior authorization of the use of Purdue's trademarks will not be construed as an authorization of use in the future, nor will any prior course of conduct, use, or infringement prohibit Purdue from enforcing any of its rights with respect to the trademarks. Purdue reserves the right to pursue any and all legal remedies and will take whatever measures necessary to protect its trademarks from infringement.

Note: Purdue's protected marks may be referenced within the Purdue University Art Sheet.

Standard Licensees

A standard license allows a company to produce products bearing University trademarks for University departments and related entities, in addition to retail distribution through all channels.

Internal Use (Restricted) Licensees

Internal licensees are able to produce products with University trademarks for internal University use only. Products produced by these companies cannot be sold at retailers or directly to consumers. If you are not an internal Purdue University department, please visit our Standard Licensee page.