City of Rochester Trademark & Copyrights
The City of Rochester, New York protects the use of its name and marks, promotes the image of the City of Rochester to the public, and ensures that the City shares in the benefits derived from commercial and non-commercial use of its marks to comply with and assure protection under federal trademark law (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq).
The City name and logo is a registered Service Mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and is the exclusive property of the City of Rochester. The City closely monitors the use of City property to preserve its integrity and prevent public confusion regarding signs and symbols associated with City of Rochester.
Logo
The City of Rochester logo should be included in all official City of Rochester communications regarding news, programs, events, or services. Unauthorized use of the City’s logo constitutes a trademark infringement and is punishable by imprisonment and/or substantial fines and penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 2319.
User Guides
For first-time applicants, it may be helpful to review these guides on how to log in to the application portal for the first time, how to apply for a permit, and how to pay for your Trademark Use:
Log in to Civics for the first time
Apply for a permit to use the City of Rochester Trademark
Pay for your Trademark Use Permit
Non-Commercial Usage
The City of Rochester, New York permits non-commercial use of its trademarks and copyrighted property such as the City logo and tagline images and text (the "Content") for a license fee of fifty dollars ($50) for a two-year term. This permission shall be deemed a limited, non-transferable, non-exclusive license that ends immediately upon the City of Rochester's request, including but not limited to instances where the Content is out-of-date or has been updated by the City of Rochester policy and/or if you are in violation of this Policy.
You may NOT use any Content for commercial purposes, which is defined as the use of Content on social media websites that promote a business or commercial enterprise, on printed materials (such as books, brochures, or posters), merchandise (such as coffee mugs, pens or T-Shirts) or any other articles that are offered for sale OR given away for free in connection with the promotion of your business or commercial enterprise.
The content shall NOT be used in whole or in part as a design element in your company, event, or organization logo, branding, or identity in any way. The content shall NOT be used for political campaigns, or religious or issue-oriented messages as it might convey the false impression that the City endorses such message.
Click here to request Logo for Non-Commercial Usage
Commercial Usage
The City of Rochester, New York permits commercial use of its trademarks and copyrighted property such as the City logo and tagline images and text (the "Content") upon the City's approval of a signed License Agreement and payment of a $100 license fee for a term of two (2) years. "Commercial use" shall mean the limited, non-transferable and non-exclusive use of the Content on social media websites that promote a business or commercial enterprise, on printed materials (such as books, brochures or posters), merchandise (such as coffee mugs, pens or T-Shirts) or any other articles that are offered for sale or exchange or given away in order to promote a business or commercial enterprise.
The content shall NOT be used in whole or in part as a design element in your company or organization logo, branding or identity in any way. The content shall NOT be used for political campaigns, religious or issue-oriented messages as it might convey the false impression that the City endorses such message. Such use must comply with the terms and conditions of the City’s Trademark and Copyright Usage Guidelines and the License Agreement (found by following the link below).