Registered marks

The Block M and the U-M Wordmark

The University of Michigan Block M is one of the most widely recognized marks in the country, having had wide exposure through the University’s intercollegiate athletics programs. To leverage this strong national presence, the wordmark makes use of the Block M as shown below:

U-M Wordmark

The wordmark is available for use by any school, college, administrative unit, or faculty or staff member in accordance with these guidelines. It may stand alone, or it can be combined with the name of any University program, school, college, institute, department, or University-owned operation.

In addition, the Block M may be used by academic units on its own.

WORDMARK AND BLOCK M GUIDELINES

Do not:

  1. alter the mark in any way.
  2. use any part of the mark, including the Block M, as part of another word.
  3. replace the word “Michigan” in the Split Block M with any other word
  4. redesign, redraw, animate, modify, distort, or alter the proportions of the mark.
  5. surround the mark with—or place in the foreground over—a pattern or design.
  6. rotate or render the mark three-dimensionally.
  7. add words, images, or any other new elements to the mark.
  8. replace the approved typeface with any other typeface.
  9. enclose the mark in a shape or combine it with other design elements or effects.
  10. modify the size or position relationship of any element within the mark.
  11. add additional copy to the mark.
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Registered Marks

University marks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Actual images and color and usage guidelines are found in the Graphics Standards section of this website.

The following logos are federally registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and require a circle R (®) designation; unless used in the normal course of University business or on letterhead or business cards:

PLEASE NOTE: The “split block M”—the version that has the word Michigan written across the M—is offered as an alternative here only because it was registered and in use prior to these guidelines. It should be used sparingly and only in settings where we need to graphically distinguish ourselves from another university that uses some form of an "M" as their logo, such as the University of Minnesota. This version of the Block M should not be used as a department logo, or on print pieces or web banners created in the future.

  • Block M logo



  • “Stacked” Block M logos







  • Split Block M logo (with ‘Michigan’ through center bar)

    Split Block M logo

  • Maize with Blue - Sample

    Maize with Blue - Sample

  • Football helmet

    Football Helmet

  • M Go Blue logo

    M Go Blue Logo

The Block M logo may be used for official University business without seeking approval for use. Please see the Permissions Guide for details.

The following wordmarks are also federally registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and require a circle R (®) designation:

  • Michigan
  • The Michigan Difference
  • Big House
  • Maize Rage

The following wordmarks are considered protected and require a TM (™) designation:

  • University of Michigan
  • UM
  • U of M
  • Expect Respect
  • Wolverines
  • Michigan Wolverines
  • Go Blue
  • Let’s Go Blue M
  • The Victors
  • Hail to the Victors
  • Victors Valiant
  • Champions of the West
  • Conquering Heroes
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Crisler Arena
  • Yost Arena

The preferred way to refer to the University of Michigan in abbreviated form is U-M, with a hyphen. Please note that when referring in abbreviated form to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the punctuation mark is a hyphen, rather than an en-dash.

The University Seal is the only graphic logo that is considered protected—that is, needing the TM (™) designation.

These marks require a written licensing agreement for any commercial use. The Trademark Licensing Office handles licensing of these marks. A written release from Intercollegiate Athletics is recommended, but not required.

The following marks are no longer in use:

  • Block M with Seal
  • Block M with Wolverine
  • Seal with red accents
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The University Seal

The primary purpose of the University Seal is to certify official University documents, including diplomas, certificates, and official acts by the Board of Regents. Since the introduction of the wordmark, the Seal should be used primarily for regental and presidential purposes only.

Students are prohibited from using the Seal on their personal printed materials, including doctoral dissertations, or to signify student events.

University departments and individual faculty may use the Seal on letterhead if necessary, but use of the wordmark is strongly encouraged.

Faculty emeriti may only use the Seal on business cards or in association with the performance of their official duties when they have been reactivated and are performing services for or on behalf of the University of Michigan.

All final authority for the use of the University Seal resides in the Office of the Vice President and Secretary of the University of Michigan; email for more information.

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Using Trademarks for Official University Business

No prior approval is necessary for the use of U-M marks for official business of the University or a School, College, Institute, wholly owned auxiliary unit, or other unit. This includes trademarked logos, the University Seal, and wordmarks. Acceptable uses include:

  • Stationery, business cards, and other materials used in the ordinary course of business;
  • Official publications of the University, including electronic publications;
  • Journals (printed or digital) published by the University, School, College, Institute, or unit, or where the unit has sole editorial control;
  • Course materials;
  • Identification of University-owned and -operated broadcast media organizations.

“Official University Business” is defined as:

  • Events sponsored by the University
  • The identification of University programs, Schools, Colleges, Institutes, Departments, or Units when acting in their official capacity on behalf of the University
  • Activities conducted in the regular course of business and which represent the University in an official capacity
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Use in Commercial Applications

In 1982, Intercollegiate Athletics first protected the use of the Block M logo by licensing it through the U. S. Patent Office, and has since registered other marks as well. University marks, including the University Seal, may not be used by commercial entities or non-University organizations without prior written approval through the Trademark Licensing Office.

  • Consumer Products. A license must be obtained prior to any external, commercial use of the University marks, including the manufacture and distribution of all commercial and consumer products. Applications for a license may be obtained from the University’s licensing agent, the Collegiate Licensing Company on their website.
  • Fundraising. It is recommended that University units, faculty, or staff wishing to use a University mark, including the University seal, on products to be sold for a fundraising purpose, use a licensed vendor to produce the products and advise the vendor that it is for a fundraising purpose.The University has more than 500 vendors licensed to produce products of many kinds. These vendors are familiar with our marks and how they are to be used. They are also familiar with the royalty accounting process, carry the appropriate liability insurance, and have signed the University's code of conduct related to labor standards. A complete list of licensed vendors may be obtained by emailing the Licensing Office.
  • Corporate Sponsors. Corporate sponsorships using University marks must be approved by the Trademark Licensing Office, including strategic alliances with commercial providers of goods and services and sponsorships formed with units and departments of the University. This provision does not apply to Michigan Public Media radio and television sponsorship arrangements.
  • Local Businesses. Merchants may not use the University name or marks in their signage. Merchants may be allowed to use the name “University of Michigan” in newspaper advertisements that welcome or congratulate students provided the copy does not contain either an implied or explicit endorsement of the advertiser, or its products or services. University images may not be used. Additionally, there must be no violation of NCAA rules regarding student-athletes. Please see the NCAA Compliance page on the mgoblue.com website for more information.
  • News and Media Services. Use of University name and marks by news media for informational purposes to identify the University are not subject to licensing fees.
  • Photographs of campus scenes, landmarks, or athletic events may only be used for news and editorial purposes and may not be exploited commercially without the express permission of the Office of the Vice President for Communications. NCAA regulations require that photographs of current student-athletes enrolled at the University may not be sold or used in association with commercial products. Photographs of former University student-athletes may not be sold or used without their consent and written permission.
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