Branded Merchandise & Promotional Items Policy

Purpose and Scope

This policy governs the creation, production, and distribution of all St. John Fisher University merchandise and promotional items. It applies to all academic and administrative units, student clubs and organizations, athletics, and external partners producing items that display Fisher’s name, trademarks, or other brand elements.

The goals of this policy are to:

  • Protect the University’s trademarks and brand identity;
  • Ensure consistent, high‑quality representation of Fisher;
  • Streamline the approval process for University merchandise – both for internal and external purposes.

Use of Fisher Trademarks & Logos

This policy applies to all Fisher marks, including the primary and secondary logos, individual School and department logos, athletics marks, and word mark.

Requirements

  • Marks must be used exactly as provided and as outlined in the University’s official Brand Use Policy.
  • Alternations to the marks are not permitted, including changes to color, proportions, fonts, or lockups.
  • Marks may not be combined with other graphics, symbols, or illustrations.
  • All merchandise must include appropriate trademark notice symbols when required by Fisher for retail or external distribution.
  • All merchandise designs must align with the brand guidelines and require approval prior to production.

Prohibited Uses

  • Use of unapproved colors or unofficial versions of Fisher marks.
  • Incorporation of third‑party trademarks or copyrighted content without written permission.
  • Designs referencing alcohol, drugs, violence, or political advocacy.

Design Requirements

All merchandise must follow Fisher’s brand standards and reflect the University’s mission and values.

Required Elements

  • Use of an official Fisher logo or approved department lockup or design;
  • Clear separation between official marks and event‑specific graphics;
  • Use of Fisher’s approved color palette.

Event or Custom Graphics

Custom graphics (e.g., for events, campaigns, or student organizations) are permitted when:

  • They do not mimic or distort Fisher trademarks;
  • They appear secondary to an official Fisher mark and/or name;
  • They follow all content and appropriateness guidelines.

Prohibited Content

  • Offensive, discriminatory, or exclusionary language or imagery;
  • References to alcohol, drugs, or violence;
  • Political endorsements or campaign messaging;
  • Parodies of Fisher or third‑party marks.

Approved Vendors

To ensure brand consistency and trademark compliance, and to provide a seamless approval experience, Fisher requires the use of approved fully licensed vendors for all merchandise and promotional items. All Schools and departments, student organizations, and athletics units must use Fisher’s approved vendors for:

  • Apparel
  • Promotional items
  • Giveaways
  • Fundraising merchandise
  • Retail

Exceptions for branded items may be granted only with prior approval from the Office of Marketing and Communications. Vendor selection, supplier onboarding, contract execution, and purchasing activities are subject to University procurement policies and procedures. For the full list of licensed vendors, visit the mySJF Purchasing (login required) website. They can also be found in FisherMart in the Branded Items section.

Approval Process

All merchandise must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications before submitting for production. Please note, marketing approval of artwork, branding, or design does not constitute authorization to purchase. All purchases must be processed in accordance with University procurement policies, approval workflows, and spending authority requirements.

Submission Requirements

Submit the following for review:

  • A digital mockup showing placement, size, and colors;
  • Vendor name;
  • Intended use (giveaway, fundraising, internal use, retail);
  • Timeline for production.

Submissions should be sent to ktorok@sjf.edu.

Review Timeline

The Office of Marketing and Communications will review submitted artwork within 5-7 business days. If approved, the art should be submitted back to the vendor who then will be required to submit the artwork per the University’s licensing protocol. Complex or multi‑item orders may require additional time.

Items produced without approval may not be distributed and may require redesign or disposal at the unit’s expense.

Financial and Distribution Guidelines

  • Merchandise purchased with University funds must follow procurement policies. All merchandise and promotional item purchases funded by the University must be procured through approved purchasing channels and in accordance with Procurement Services policies. Requirements related to competitive quotes, contracts, supplier onboarding, insurance review, spending authority, and purchase order requirements remain in effect following design approvals from marketing.
  • Fundraising merchandise must comply with University financial guidelines.
  • No individual may profit personally from Fisher‑branded merchandise.
  • Units must disclose whether items are for resale, giveaway, or internal use.

Trademark Enforcement

St. John Fisher University reserves the right to:

  • Deny approval for any design that, in its sole discretion, does not meet brand standards or otherwise comply with the terms of this Policy.
  • Require redesign or removal of non‑compliant merchandise.