Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Trademarked Logos

Portland Community College claims ownership of and has registered logos with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Registration at the federal level is not required for the college to claim rights to its logos. These standards apply to all visual representations of the PCC logos, including print and digital communications, websites, and specialty items.

The primary PCC logo, monogram logo, and the logomark (diamond) must have the appropriate registered trademark symbol (®). If they do not, they will not be compliant with the college’s legal standards. These logos are property of Portland Community College and must be reproduced from an authorized original electronic file provided by the Marketing and Communications Department.

Registered Trademark Symbol Size and Placement

Secondary Logos

PCC campuses, centers, departments, academic programs, and affiliated groups may not create or display secondary logos containing the registered PCC logo or the registered trademark symbol (®) , as they have not been registered with the USPTO.

Incorrect:

Correct:

Note: No other PCC logo may use the registered trademark symbol (®).

Authorized Use

PCC’s registered primary logo may be used for any college-sanctioned activity, provided written consent is obtained prior to its use. Deliberate misuse of the logo will not be allowed. The PCC logo cannot be altered, changed, or modified in any way. It should also never be combined with any other logo. To obtain permission, please contact the Marketing and Communications Department.

Who needs approval to use a logo?

All individuals, organizations, non-profits, and companies are required to obtain written approval before using any of PCC’s registered logos.

Why does PCC care who uses the logo?

The college must control and monitor use of its registered logos to avoid loss or dilution in the marketplace. Inappropriate use of the logo harms PCC’s brand recognition and reputation.

Unauthorized Use

Any unauthorized use of the logo, by an entity or individual, without expressed written consent from the PCC Marketing and Communications Department will be deemed a violation of the college’s brand identity standards. The college will take any and all steps necessary to protect such rights. Commercial use and reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited. This includes use by nonbusiness groups or individuals, employees, non-profits, and other organizations.

Exceptions to the Rules

When creating a multipage print or digital document, or website containing a large number of pages, the first and most prominent appearance of the PCC logo must contain the registered trademark symbol. All other logos within the same document or website do not require the symbol.

If only one PCC logo is present on the item, the registered logo must be used.

All other exceptions to the use of the registered PCC logos must be approved by the Marketing and Communications Department. Documentation of written consent is required.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark can be any word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these things that identifies your goods or services. It’s how customers recognize you in the marketplace and distinguish you from your competitors.

The word “trademark” can refer to both trademarks and service marks. A trademark is used for goods, while a service mark is used for services. Federal trademark registration provides nationwide legal protection for your brand. (Source: uspto.gov/trademarks)