Report Misuse

Misuse and Enforcement

UC Berkeley prohibits the use of any of its symbols, insignia, or other identifying marks without express written approval. Unauthorized use of the marks constitutes trademark infringement and is subject to civil and criminal penalties.

A primary function of BCBP is the protection of UC Berkeley’s trademarks worldwide.  The University will take action to prohibit unauthorized use of its trademarks and will actively pursue and, if necessary, take legal action against any individual or organization using its trademarks without authorization or distributing unlicensed merchandise in the marketplace.

The following links provide guidelines about unacceptable use of the name of the University of California and its trademarks.

Trademark infringement

Alteration or misuse of a trademark is a violation of state, federal, and international trademark law. 

  • When a trademark is altered to any degree, used as part of a non-University business’ logo, or used to advertise a business, etc
  • When the University’s name is used to designate any business, social, political, religious, or other organization, including, but not limited to, any corporation, firm, partnership, association, group, activity, or enterprise
  • When the University’s name is used to imply, indicate or otherwise suggest that any such organization, or any product or service of such organization is connected or affiliated with, or is endorsed, favored, or supported by, or is opposed by the University of California
  • The display, advertisement, or announcement of the University’s name publicly at, or in connection with, any meeting, assembly, or demonstration, or any propaganda, advertising, or promotional activity of any kind which has for its purpose or any part of its purpose the support, endorsement, advancement, opposition, or defeat of any strike, lockout, or boycott or of any political, religious, sociological, or economic movement, activity, or program.

Report an infringement

Infringements damage Berkeley's reputation and can appear in many forms. File a report(link is externawith BCBP.