about us
Mandate and Who We Are
The University of Toronto Trademark Licensing program oversees the responsible use of the University’s name, trademarks, and official marks applied on merchandise and apparel. This includes items sold at the U of T Bookstore, uniforms, and custom products ordered by students, faculty, and staff.
The mission of Trademark Licensing aims to:
- Establish a consistent and high-quality visual identity for the University.
- Promote ethical procurement and responsible sourcing.
- Foster pride and belonging within the U of T community.
- Enhance the University’s reputation locally and globally.
- Protect current use of registered marks and take action when necessary.
What you can expect:
- Clear guidance before you order merchandise or uniforms.
- A list of licensed vendors who have signed our Code of Conduct and disclosed their supply chains.
- Timely support with custom order advice and design approvals.
- Pathways for recognized student groups to promote their identity without royalties on non-commercial items.
- Confidence that your purchase supports ethical labor practices and community initiatives.
- Expertise with registering new marks to meet your divisional or institutional needs and prompt action on reported infringement cases.
Ethically Responsible Campus
For over 20 years, the University has led the way in responsible collegiate licensing in Canada. We work with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), licensing agents, and suppliers to ensure compliance with our Trademark Licensing Policy and Code of Conduct, which mandate:
- Transparent supply chains.
- Non-exploitative working conditions.
- High-quality, tasteful products that reflect the University’s values.
Only licensed suppliers who sign the Code of Conduct, provide insurance, and disclose manufacturing details of their suppliers are allowed to produce U of T-branded merchandise.
A History Rooted in Student Activism
In March 2000, a pivotal moment in U of T’s licensing history unfolded when 17 student activists from the group Students Against Sweatshops (SAS) staged a 10-day sit-in at the office of then-President Robert Prichard. Their demands were clear: implement a Code of Conduct for all manufacturers of U of T-branded merchandise, including provisions for a living wage.
Despite initial resistance, the University responded days later by adopting the Code of Conduct for Licensees, becoming the first Canadian university to do so. This landmark policy set ethical standards for working conditions, wages, and transparency in the production of U of T merchandise.
Trademark Licensing Policy & Code of Conduct Highlights
Although collegiate licensing represents just 2% of global apparel demand, the University of Toronto is committed to making a meaningful impact on labour conditions worldwide. By partnering with leading labour rights NGOs and universities across North America that uphold similar ethical standards, we help promote fair and humane working environments in developing countries.
The University is proudly affiliated with:
These organizations conduct global factory assessments and advocate for systemic improvements in supply chains on behalf of North American academic institutions.
Additionally, our Trademark Licensing Program is a member of the International Collegiate Licensing Association (ICLA), which fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation within the licensing community to support ethical sourcing and supply chain transformation.
University of Toronto’s reputation for excellence has led to increased demand for products featuring its name, trademarks, and images. To protect and enhance this reputation, the University has established a trademark licensing policy that governs how these assets may be used.
Key Principles
- Quality & Ethics: Licensed products must be of high quality and produced under humane, non-exploitative conditions.
- Non-Discrimination: Trademarks must not be used in ways that discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected categories.
- Reputation Protection: The University’s name and trademarks must not be associated with any activity or product that could harm its academic reputation.
- Design Approval: The University reserves the right to reject products or designs that do not align with its image.
- Active Oversight: Licensees are subject to review, compliance reporting, and monitoring. Governance: The President oversees trademark use, establishes a code of conduct, and ensures mechanisms for monitoring and complaint resolution.
- Community Involvement: The policy is reviewed in consultation with faculty, staff, and students.
- Transparency: Compliance reports are public, and an annual report is submitted to the University Affairs Board for community feedback.
Code of Conduct Standards
Licensees and their contractors must:
- Comply with all applicable laws and environmental regulations.
- Ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and no child or forced labor.
- Respect workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
- Avoid discrimination, harassment, and abuse.
Violations must be remedied promptly, or the University may terminate the license agreement.
Royalties & Community Impact
Royalties from licensed merchandise support campus and community development projects. Non-commercial promotions by recognized U of T groups are exempt from royalties, provided they follow University guidelines.
