Trademark Infringement

Trademark Infringement 

Trademark infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights attached to a trademark without the authorization of the trademark owner or any licensees (provided that such authorization was within the scope of the license).

Infringement may occur when one party, the "infringer," uses a trademark that is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark owned by another party in relation to products or services that are identical or similar to the products or services that the registration covers. An owner of a trademark may commence legal proceedings against a party that infringes its registration.The university is prepared to enforce trademark infringements in order to protect its supporters and to protect the university's assets against the possibility of dilution of its trademarks and their value.

Signs of unlicensed merchandise can include the following:

• No "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" hologram sticker shown on the product.
• Product appears to be very poor quality.
• Vanderbilt University images and logos are distorted or manipulated, sometimes in a distasteful manner. 

Enforcement of Trademark Infringement

Vanderbilt reserves the right to pursue any and all legal remedies against infringement of its trademarks. If Vanderbilt engages the services of an agent, the agent is authorized to pursue enforcement actions on Vanderbilt's behalf. You must send a photo of the infringement, with company tag and retail address where it was found.

If you believe that you have seen products or services that do not appear to be licensed by Vanderbilt University, please complete the form below.