We reserve the use of the CAMBRIDGE brand (name and logo) — which refer to the University as a whole — for University-level business only. We have a responsibility to ensure that:

  • our brand is used only on those activities for which the University as an institution is accountable
  • our brand is never used in a manner that implies University endorsement of or responsibility for an external organisation, business, product, activity, event or idea. This maintains our commitment to impartiality
  • activities the University is associated with uphold the standards aligned with our educational mission

Members of the University

You should make it clear when you are representing the University versus acting independently.

When conducting personal business activities with third parties, members of the University or alumni:

  • must not use the University brand name (‘CAMBRIDGE’) and/or logo in a personal capacity
  • must not give the impression that they are representing the University on any official business by using our brand
  • must ensure any third parties you work with in a personal capacity do not imply a formal link with the University by using our brand. This includes teaching, consulting or speaking as well as not using the University brand on websites or documents (particularly letterheads).
  • may use the University name alone when writing biographically (e.g. Jane Doe, Professor of Economics, University of Cambridge), such as on a CV

See further guidance on how alumni may and may not use the University brand.

Staff

If you need to use our brand assets for Cambridge-related communications, please use the available templates.

If you are working on a collaboration with a third-party and would like to use the Cambridge brand (name and/or logo), you must obtain permission.

Students

Students are not permitted to use the logo for promotional purposes. This includes websites, social media channels or business cards.

Students may use the logo for PhD dissertation covers.

Students who wish to use a departmental logo when representing the University at a conference, for instance, must get written permission from their Head of Department.

Alumni groups, University Societies and Cambridge Students’ Union

Registered student societies and alumni groups may use the Cambridge brand (name and/or logo) as part of the registration process with the appropriate body, in line with the agreed Brand team approval process. This includes the Junior Proctors, Sports Service and Alumni Network.

Registered student societies and alumni groups may not register companies, charities and trademarks using the University brand (name and logo).

Unregistered societies, teams, groups and individuals may not use the Cambridge brand (name and/or logo) without permission.

Cambridge Students’ Union is operationally independent from the collegiate University and therefore their own brand identity (name and logo) prevails on all marketing communications touchpoints, including any certificates of attendance for events.

Third parties and external organisations

A third party generally refers to any person, company or other entity that is not directly affiliated with Cambridge but with whom Cambridge interacts. Examples include collaborators, funders, suppliers, consultants and contractors.

Third parties and external organisations must:

  • request permission to use the Cambridge brand (name and/or logo)
  • only use the Cambridge brand (name and/or logo) under licence
  • not use the Cambridge brand (name and/or logo) for financial gain or commercial promotion
  • not use the Cambridge brand (name and/or logo) in a way which suggests that the University endorses any external organisation, business, product, event, project or idea

We do not permit the Cambridge brand (name and/or logo) to be used to endorse our suppliers' services in regard to the purchase of products or services.

University-supported businesses, such as spin-outs and start-ups, may apply for a trademark licence to use a Cambridge-formative mark. Please contact the Brand Plenary Group at brand@admin.cam.ac.uk.

You may qualify for a commercial licence if:

  • you provide eligible products or services, such as merchandise, art reproductions or tourist services
  • these activities, and the royalties they generate, support the University’s work

Questions?

Contact brand@admin.cam.ac.uk.