AUTM Trademark Policies

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about AUTM's Trademarks (and more)

Our brand is important, both to our membership and us. Naturally, we have put in place trademark policies in order to acknowledge and preserve the trademark rights of the Association and its resources. These policies apply to all parties making reference to AUTM trademarks, including Association partners, members, officials and others. Use of any AUTM brands — including name and logo — is permitted only with express written permission of the organization.

Requesting Use of AUTM Trademarks
To obtain permission to use the AUTM trademark in printed and electronic materials, organizations must submit a written request to the AUTM Marketing and Communications Director. To fairly evaluate requests, AUTM must receive the following information:
  • Nature of use/intended audience
  • Sample of materials or detailed description of information contained in materials
  • Number of materials to be produced and circulated
  • Mission and objectives of the person/organization requesting trademark permission
General Stipulations Governing AUTM Brand Use
  • AUTM prohibits any person or entity from using the Association's name and logo or any confusingly similar mark as a trademark for non-AUTM products and services, or in any other manner that might cause confusion in the marketplace - including in promotion of events, educational courses, on websites or on electronic materials - without prior express written permission from AUTM.
  • Advertisements, press releases or displays containing any AUTM name or mark in any form shall not include expressed or implied testimonials or endorsements of a business or individuals, or their products or services, without the written consent of AUTM. This stipulation applies to collaborative partners, Association members, and all other supporters and colleagues.
  • The AUTM name and marks shall not be used by or associated in any manner with individuals or entities when such use or association might not reflect the mission and goals of AUTM and its members.
  • All uses of the AUTM name and marks shall be truthful and accurate. The AUTM name and marks shall not be used in a manner that misleads or deceives. For example, any unauthorized use stating that an activity is "modeled after AUTM" or claims to be "AUTM-like" without the Association's prior written approval is in violation of AUTM Trademark Policies.
  • The AUTM name or logo may not be used in conjunction with any conference, event, etc., in any printed or electronic materials without prior written consent.
  • Co-branding, including the advertising/promotion of collaborative events or educational tools, is appropriate if all printed and electronic materials adhere to all pertinent AUTM policies, including the Trademark Policies and Educational Partnership Policies.
  • AUTM may provide the Association logo to event vendors, sponsors, Association partners or partnering associations for use in promotional or collaborative materials during the term of the agreement or event. See AUTM Educational Partnership Policies for further explanation.
  • AUTM must review all printed and electronic materials that contain the AUTM name or marks before they are produced or circulated to ensure they comply with the AUTM Trademark Policies.
AUTM Logo Use
The AUTM name and logo are the sole and exclusive property of AUTM. The AUTM logo may be used by members in good standing to exhibit their affiliation with AUTM only if such use complies with the terms and conditions listed below.
  • No modifications can be made to the logo or its colors without AUTM’s approval.
  • Logo size can be adjusted as needed, but dimensions and perspectives must remain the same.
  • The AUTM name and logo may not be used in any manner that, in the sole discretion of AUTM: discredits AUTM or tarnishes its reputation and goodwill; is false or misleading; violates the rights of others; violates any law, regulations, or other public policy; or mischaracterizes the relationship between AUTM and the user.
  • Without express written approval from AUTM, the name and logo may not imply any relationship with, endorsement or sponsorship by AUTM. Use of the AUTM name or logo to encourage the purchase of any particular individual's, company's or organization's products or services is forbidden. Likewise, AUTM members may not voice opinions or offer advice on behalf of AUTM without express approval.
  • AUTM reserves the right to inspect and give final approval to the reproduction and the manner in which the logo is reproduced or displayed on printed materials, in electronic documents and on websites.
  • Upon request, Association members who use the AUTM logo agree to provide AUTM with representative copies of all materials bearing the logo and to abide by the decision of AUTM with respect to approval of the use of the logo in university or company literature.
  • All uses of the logo will inure to the benefit of the AUTM.
  • Non-members may not use the AUTM logo without submitting materials for review and receiving written approval for limited-use agreement. Contact the AUTM Marketing and Communications Director for more information.

Proper AUTM Trademark Attribution
If permission to use the AUTM trademark is granted, all trademarks must be properly attributed. Trademark ownership is attributed in two ways: with the use of a trademark symbol (i.e. TM, SM or ®) after the trademark, and with a trademark legend, usually placed at the end of a document in "mouseprint" directly after the copyright notice.

The Registered Symbol (®) Must Always Be Used:
  • Upon the first use of the AUTM name, logo or appearance in the text of each document or in any other materials referencing an AUTM trademark.
  • On all prominent uses of the AUTM name and logo (e.g. title pages, headings, etc.) - unless space and style criteria prevent such markings.
  • Within all printed and electronic materials where the name may appear (including Partnering association's material and websites)
Protected Trademarks, Service Marks, Trade Names
  • AUTM®
  • AUTM Logo
  • AUTM Licensing Activity Survey™
  • AUTM Technology Transfer Practice Manual™
  • AUTM TTP Manual™
  • AUTM Basic Licensing CourseSM
  • AUTM Technology Operations and Organization Licensing Skills CourseSM
  • AUTM TOOLS CourseSM
  • AUTM Start-up Business Development CourseSM
  • AUTM SUBD CourseSM
  • AUTM Graduate CourseSM
  • AUTM Executive ForumSM
  • AUTM Software and Digital Media CourseSM
  • AUTM Canadian Basic Licensing CourseSM
  • Howard Bremer ScholarshipSM
  • AUTM Annual MeetingSM
OR

Use an asterisk (*) or similar symbol to direct the consumer to a footnote indicating that the mark(s) is/are owned by AUTM. When completing the footnote, indicate the asterisk and then use the appropriate notice.

Compliance
AUTM reserves the right to occasionally request samples of name and logo use from which AUTM officials may determine compliance with AUTM Trademark Policies. AUTM also has the right to modify or suspend its Trademark Policies and withdraw any permission granted under this agreement to use the AUTM name and logo. AUTM maintains the right to take action against any misuse or unfair, misleading, diluting or infringing use of AUTM's name or logo.

Any questions concerning use of the logo or the terms and conditions of the AUTM Trademark Policies should be directed to the AUTM Administrative Director.

If you are an AUTM member or consumer of a product that contains the "AUTM" name, logo or trademark, and you believe it is not an official product of AUTM or not in compliance with this policy, please alert us.