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UC San Diego Use of Name Policy

Guidelines for Campus Community (PPM 510-10)

Overview of Policy

UC San Diego’s name is a valuable asset and is protected under state law and university policy. The Use of Name Policy (PPM 510-10) ensures that the university’s name, seal, trademarks and visual images are used appropriately, safeguarding our reputation and preventing unauthorized or misleading associations.

Key aspects of the policy include:

  • Use Restrictions: Only approved individuals and organizations may use the UC and UC San Diego names, seals, trademarks and logos, and any use must not imply endorsement of third-parties without explicit authorization.
  • Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Use: Commercial use of the UC San Diego name, seal, trademarks or logos is prohibited without explicit approval. In contrast, non-commercial use may not always require prior authorization, particularly in cases involving Registered Campus Organizations, Registered Student Organizations or entities with a valid current lease with UC San Diego, as long as their use is limited to descriptive purposes such as indicating a geographic location ("at UC San Diego") and does not incorporate university logos or marks.
  • Approval Authorities: Use of these names and symbols must be authorized by the Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff, who has delegated authority to permit use. University Communications works with the Associate Chancellor to evaluate requests for use and provides recommendations when appropriate.
  • Trademark Protection: The UC San Diego names, logos and visual images are protected under federal and state trademark laws, and unauthorized use is a violation of Section 92000 and a misdemeanor under state law.

All requests for use of the university's name must go through University Communications for review and authorization by the Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff to ensure that use aligns with university policy and does not suggest endorsement or support unless explicitly intended and authorized. To request permission to use the university’s name, please fill out the official request form and submit it for review by University Communications.

Special Considerations and Guidance

These guidelines are intended to protect UC San Diego’s name and avoid unintended endorsement of companies, products or services. It is not intended to limit individuals from expressing their personal opinions or making endorsements in their personal capacity. However, the individual’s connection to UC San Diego and their title should not be referenced when stating an opinion or making an endorsement in their individual capacity.

Quotes or Testimonials

  • University employees may not use the UC and/or campus name or their affiliation with the university in any manner which suggests or implies university support or endorsement of a product or company.
  • Faculty, university researchers and staff must receive written authorization from University Communications if they are to appear in corporate videos or other promotional materials that are created for commercial or marketing purposes.
  • Faculty, staff and students may be interviewed by the press or speak at industry or corporate conferences about their research and educational activities as long as the primary purpose of the activity is not to endorse a particular company or its products and services on behalf of the university. When doing so, faculty, staff and students should avoid speaking about a specific company, product or service in a manner that may imply endorsement, and any reference to the university should be limited to a factual statement. To the extent that the statement may be construed to imply support or endorsement, the promotional material must include a disclaimer stating that the views expressed are those of the individual, and not the university.

Press Releases

  • Press releases issued by third parties which describe or relate to the activities of UC San Diego must be reviewed by University Communications and should be submitted through the Use of Name Request form.
  • Press releases issued by third parties which describe or relate to the activities of UC San Diego schools, centers/institutes, departments or other units must be approved by the relevant communications director or University Communications through the Use of Name Request form.
  • Considerations when evaluating a third-party press release for acceptable uses of the university’s name:
    • UC San Diego’s name should never be included in a headline or subhead unless explicit permission is provided by the Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff.
    • UC San Diego’s boilerplate statement should never be included unless explicit permission is given by University Communications.
    • If a third party is seeking to publish a joint press release, consider the core beneficiary to determine if UC San Diego should be a co-author. In most instances, a release should only be from one party and should not include UC San Diego’s boilerplate.
    • If using their affiliation or discussing work that takes place at the university, UC San Diego staff, faculty and students can only be quoted using facts. “The trial is designed to [example] and could provide a new treatment for patients,” said [name].”
    • UC San Diego can only be referenced in a statement of fact. E.g., UC San Diego experts conduct research on cybersecurity threats.
    • If the press release references clinical trials with UC San Diego Health patients, additional UC San Diego Health guidelines may apply.

Content Marketing, Case Studies and Other Promotional Materials

  • Advertising that displays or lists the UC and/or campus as a user of any product or service or as the source of research information on which a commercial product, program or publication is based is prohibited without written authorization from the Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff.
  • Use of UC San Diego’s name is not permitted on corporate blogs, white papers and other sources of content marketing without authorization from the Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff.
  • Vendors, including suppliers of resources to construction and research projects, are not permitted to publish case studies describing UC San Diego’s experience with their product or services. Exceptions may be considered as part of the Campus Partnership Program and with authorization from the Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff.
  • Use of UC San Diego’s trademarks is not permitted on any merchandise produced by a third party unless authorized by CLC, a collegiate licensing agency.
  • Use of photos, videos and drawings of iconic UC San Diego buildings and landmarks is not permitted by third parties without written authorization from University Communications Executive Director, Marketing.
    • Copyright of images is retained by the Board of Regents of the University of California unless noted otherwise. The copyright line should appear as “Copyright ©️ the Board of Regents of the University of California.”

Disclaimer Guidance

In circumstances where University endorsement or support may be construed from an individual’s use, a disclaimer is required. Below are suggested disclaimers

  • “Reference to UC San Diego does not imply endorsement or support of any product, service or company involved.”
  • “The Regents of the University of California and UC San Diego are not connected or affiliated with, nor do they endorse, favor or support any product or service of [Company].”

Placing Disclaimers

  • On social media channels, the disclaimer should be placed in the caption upon first post or mention. When posting on X, the disclaimer can be linked in the bio.
  • In video, the disclaimer should be included at first instance of the use as a graphic overlay in the bottom third of the video.
  • In written copy, the disclaimer should immediately follow the first reference.

How to Request Use of UC San Diego's Name

All requests to use the UC San Diego name must be submitted to University Communications for review and authorization by the Associate Chancellor and Chief of Staff. Please include the following details in your request:

  • Intended Use: Describe how and where the UC San Diego name will be used.
  • Audience: Specify the target audience for the material.
  • Context: Provide the context of the use, including any associations or collaborations involved.
  • Type of Material: Identify the format (e.g., press release, website, marketing collateral, video, etc).

To request permission to use the university’s name, please fill out the official request form and submit it for review by University Communications. We aim to provide a response with either approval or feedback on any necessary changes within five business days of receiving your complete request.

Submit Request for Use of Name

For more information, contact University Communications.