In the same way, institutional identifiers, like the wordmark, block M, and Goldy Gopher, distinguish the University. They have value because they carry with them the prestige, the traditions, and the reputation of the institution. The University protects that value legally through federal trademark laws. These are called trademark notices. It has not been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Trademarks provide three key benefits.
Trademarks indicate the origin of services or goods and help distinguish them from one's competitors. Trademarks can be an indicator of the quality of goods and services associated with the mark. Trademarks assist in the promotion of one's goods or services. All trademarks at the University of Minnesota, except for images created or registered independently by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association or University of Minnesota Foundation, are owned by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota. Any University of Minnesota department may use these marks if they follow the guidelines below.