Skip to main content

Merchandise Policy

If you want to create merchandise, such as t-shirts or pens, that bear the logos or trademarks of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, there are rules you must follow. These rules apply to student groups and to employees, units and offices of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Use of University trademarks and logos is governed by the UNC Office of Trademarks and Licensing, and the School has a few additional guidelines.

Logo Use Standards

UNC’s visual identity is managed by UNC Creative. The design standards (size, spacing, color, etc.) that apply to the School logo are the same as those that apply to the University logo.

Do’s and Don’t’s

  1. Do not print the logo over a patterned background or other image.
  2. Do not print anything over the logo.
  3. Do not screen the logo (making it semitransparent) or use it as a watermark.
  4. Do not modify the logo, other than making it larger or smaller. Be sure you do not change the proportions of the logo when doing this.
  5. Do use a good quality image of the logo. Do not right click and save the logo off the Web site for use in a printed piece.

UNC Trademarks

The language and logos protected by the University include, but are not limited to, the words “University of North Carolina,” “North Carolina,” “Carolina,” “UNC,” “Tar Heels,” “Heels” and logos of the Old Well, the University seal, the interlocking NC, the Tar Heel foot and the Strutting Ram.Student groups may use University marks for identification and fund raising. University marks cannot be modified in any way not specifically prescribed. For example, adding a white coat to the Strutting Ram or replacing the tar splotch on the Tar Heel foot with a mortar and pestle is not allowed. You can find a PDF guide to many of the University’s trademarks here.

Use Licensed Vendors Only

Affiliated student groups and School units may purchase merchandise bearing University marks, but all such purchases must be from licensed manufacturers. See the list of Local Printers who have expressed a willingness to produce special-order merchandise for campus groups. These vendors will submit your designs to the Trademarks and Licensing Office for approval. A complete list of licensed vendors can be found here.

If the merchandise is for the student members of the organization, the vendor will not have to pay royalties on the items. This should be reflected in the price to the organization. If the merchandise is for resale, even as a fundraiser for charity, royalties will need to be paid.

School Units

University departments may use most of the University marks in situations that indicate University ownership, sponsorship or participation, including but not limited to publications and other documents; stationery; signage; advertising for the department’s services; equipment and supplies; and websites. All such uses must be in accordance with any other applicable University policy, such as that regarding websites. Administrative and academic units within the School should submit their designs or requests for design help to the Office of Marketing and Communications via https://pharmacy.unc.edu/marcom.

  • School units must use the School’s official logo on all merchandise related to the School. Click here to download the School logo (ZIP file).
  • The School’s name should not be abbreviated. It is UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, not UNC Eshelman or ESOP.
  • Any items bearing a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill trademark must be produced by a licensed vendor. See below.
  • Departments may not use University marks in conjunction with those of commercial entities without either explicit written permission from Trademarks and Licensing or an approved University contract providing for such uses.
  • Use of the University seal (Latin version) in gold, gold leaf or gold foil must be authorized by the University Registrar or by the Office of the Chancellor.
  • University departments may purchase goods bearing University marks. Please refer to Purchasing Logoed Merchandise for additional information on this process.

Student Groups

Student groups and the units of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy must submit all merchandise designs for review and approval. Students should submit their designs through the Office of Curricular and Student Affairs, which will also seek the approval of the School’s Office of Marketing and Communications.

  • Student groups should make every effort to include the School’s official logo on all merchandise. Click here to download the School logo (ZIP file).
  • The School’s name should not be abbreviated. It is UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, not UNC Eshelman or ESOP.
  • Any items bearing a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill trademark must be produced by a licensed vendor. See below.
  • No references to drugs or alcohol is permitted on merchandise bearing a UNC trademark. This applies to medicines if you use the word “drugs.”
  • The Latin University seal is reserved for use on official documents and cannot be used on merchandise without special University approval.

For More Information