Athletics Logos & Licensing

Intercollegiate Athletics Marks

The use of athletics marks (e.g., “Ralphie” and the athletics interlocking CU) are exclusive to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. They may only be used in limited school-spirit instances, as approved by the CU Boulder Identity Manager and the Department of Trademarks & Licensing.

Ralphie and Slanted CU Athletic Marks

Scenario 1: “Ralphie” Logo Only

  • Club sports apparel
  • Bookstore merchandise and store visual identity
  • Events related to athletics programming (e.g., pregame celebrations, etc.)
  • Recreation Center athletic venues (e.g., logo under the ice, logos on athletics courts, etc.)
  • Select awards, by request

The “Ralphie” logo may not be used in conjunction with a campus-specific identifier other than CU Boulder. However, CU campuses may use the “Ralphie” logo on merchandise to express a connection to the Buffaloes. The “Ralphie” logo may not be used in conjunction with a corporate logo, except as allowed by specific sponsorship/licensing agreements managed via the Department of Athletics. The athletics interlocking CU should never be used for non-athletic applications.

Commencement Annoucement

Scenario 2: “Ralphie” Logo and CU Boulder Logo 

Select university/staff apparel (e.g., incoming student T-shirts, some Division of Student Affairs shirts, alumni/donor-related apparel, etc.). The Visual Identity Manager will review each request and provide approval on a case-by-case basis.

Communication uses and signage that express a sense of school spirit/“Buff” community (eg., Buff buses) within a university context.

“Ralphie” logo as the dominant visual element, with CU Boulder logo as university ID (e.g., bookstore planner covers). The "Ralphie" logo may not be used in conjunction with any campus identifier other than the CU Boulder logo. The athletics interlocking CU should never be used for nonathletic applications.

What Qualifies as School-Spirit Use?

  1. School spirit entails use of the “Ralphie” logo specifically meant to represent the competitive or emotional connection we feel for the Colorado Buffaloes.
  2. In circumstances that require a sense of school spirit and the identification of the University of Colorado Boulder, the “Ralphie” logo can be used in conjunction with the CU Boulder logo.
  3. Any instance related to the university’s overarching teaching, research, and service mission that does not involve school spirit as defined above (e.g., academic events, research posters, name badges, commencement robes, etc.) requires the use of the CU Boulder logo as the primary identifier and not the “Ralphie” logo.

Note: As with all university logos, the “Ralphie” logo may not be modified or redesigned in any way.

Scenario 3: CU Boulder Logo Only

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  • Academic/research-related events (e.g., commencement, Fall Convocation, symposia, etc.)
  • Permanent signage (except athletic facilities)
  • University marketing/advertising
  • Business communications (letterhead, etc.)

Whenever the university name is used, the official CU Boulder logo should serve as the identifier. The “Ralphie” logo should not be directly associated with the words “University of Colorado Boulder” at any time (“Colorado,” “Colorado Buffs,” “Buffaloes,” “Buffs,” etc., are acceptable). The athletics interlocking CU (below) should never be used for non-athletic applications.

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How Do I Request Approval?

The Visual Identity Manager reviews all uses of the “Ralphie” logo. Please submit your request to use a “Ralphie” logo. Requests will be reviewed within three to five business days.

Licensed Vendors

A licensed vendor must be used for all apparel production and printing that includes the university marks. For a list of licensed vendors approved to reproduce the “Ralphie” logo or to obtain a license, .