Co-branding Guidelines
Co-branding
South Dakota State University thrives on collaborative relationships, which may include, but are not limited to, those resulting from sponsorships, naming and collaborative projects. Successful co-branding of these relationships should always uphold the ϳԹ brand identity and recognize the external partners appropriately. Use these guidelines to co-brand your internal and external partnerships across different media and applications, including print, web, social media and on apparel and promotional products.
Co-branding must be preapproved by the university president, following the process managed through University Marketing and Communications.
Internal Co-branding
When two or more ϳԹ units are working together, a multiunit logo lockup should be used. University Marketing and Communications reviews and creates approved multiunit logo lockups.
External Co-branding
When ϳԹ entities partner with external companies, organizations, schools and programs, or when ϳԹ sponsors an external event, ϳԹ must uphold the integrity of its marks, identity and brand standards and properly designate the source of the communication. This includes adherence to university graphic identity standards, including:
- Minimum size and clear space
- Color
- Only the full-color institutional, unit or multiunit SD lockups may be used on co-branded printed, web and social materials
- A one-color lockup may be used for apparel and promotional items when using a single imprint color
- Follow the design guidelines for co-branded materials
- Final use must be preapproved by the university president, through the process managed by University Marketing and Communications
Understanding how to brand your partnership is key to clearly defining the relationship between ϳԹ and its partners. If you feel your partnership does not fall into one of these categories, please reach out to University Marketing and Communications.
South Dakota State University is the lead.
When South Dakota State University is the lead partner:
- Follow all ϳԹ brand identity standards
- Use ϳԹ brand colors, fonts and graphics
- Follow Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials
South Dakota State University is an equal partner collaborator.
When all partners have an equal stake:
- Use ϳԹ brand colors, fonts and graphics or use neutral colors to accommodate both parties
- Follow Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials
- If the other partner creates the materials, University Marketing and Communications must review and approve of all logo usage
South Dakota State University is promoted by an external partner.
When SDSU or any of its programs are promoted or sponsored by an external party:
- Do not use ϳԹ brand colors and graphics; marketing materials and communications should not be represented as official correspondences from the university
- Include a line of text that the external partner supports ϳԹ or the program:
- For example: The [external partner name] supports the [school, college, department, program or activity] at South Dakota State University.
- Follow all identity guidelines pertaining to the use of a university, unit or multiunit SD lockup and the Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials
- University Marketing and Communications must review and approve of all logo usage
South Dakota State University is a sponsor of an external event.
When South Dakota State University or a units is one of many sponsors:
- A university, unit or multiunit SD lockup may be used alongside other sponsor logos
- Do not use the ϳԹ brand colors or graphics; marketing materials should be created by the third-party and follow these guidelines:
- Minimum size, clear space and color standards must be followed for the logo.
- Language should be included to clearly indicate the relationship between the university and the external entity. Examples: in partnership with, our partners, sponsored by, etc.
- University Marketing and Communications must review and approve of all logo usage.
Co-branding with athletics through a sponsorship with ϳԹ Sports Properties.
SDSU Athletics media sponsorships and advertising are currently managed through ϳԹ Sports Properties.
Sponsors may only use the ϳԹ logo only within (i) the state in which SDSU’s main physical campus is located and (ii) a 100-mile radius of the ϳԹ’s main physical campus, to the extent such radius crosses a state boundary.
With respect to any digital benefits described herein, unless the parties mutually agree otherwise, the sponsor may use the ϳԹ logo only on inventory purchased through ϳԹ Sports Properties' or the sponsor’s owned channels and the sponsor may not use the designated ϳԹ mark in any way that conflicts with or impairs any relationship ϳԹ Sports Properties or ϳԹ has with a third party, including, but not limited to, any other sponsor.
For the avoidance of doubt, the sponsor, no other business entities with which the sponsor is affiliated, shall have the right to use the ϳԹ logo as outlined above.
ϳԹ must uphold the integrity of its marks, identity and brand standards. This includes adherence to graphic identity standards, including:
- Minimum size and clear space
- Color
- Only the full-color ϳԹ logo may be used on co-branded items.
- A one-color logo may be used for apparel and promotional items when using a single imprint color.
To become a media sponsor, contact ϳԹ Sports Properties. ϳԹ Sports Properties charges for use of the ϳԹ logo and use of a university-licensed vendor is required (vendor list will be provided).
For more information, call 605-321-0535.
Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials
Before proceeding with co-branding on printed and digital materials, you must have:
- Approval from ϳԹ and external partners to use their mark(s)
- Check any agreements in place for guidance on how to use a partner’s mark.
- High-resolution file of external partner logos for print, or web-resolution PNG files for digital use
- If the partner logo appears blurry, it may not be used and the partner name must be listed in text.
- High-resolution university, unit or multiunit SD lockup, or web-resolution PNG file for digital use
Internal: Two or More University Units
- To meet identity standards, reach out the manager of creative services and branding for a multiunit SD logo lockup to use in place of multiple individual logo lockups. All graphic identity standards, including minimum size and clear space, apply to multiunit logo lockups.
External: One or Two Partners
- When you have approval to use and access to high-resolution partner logos, they may be included opposite the university, unit or multiunit SD logo lockup on printed marketing materials.
- The logo lockup takes priority and must follow all identity standards. If there is not enough space to maintain identity standards or you do not have access to a high-resolution logo, list the partners by name (see below for an example).
External: Three or More Partners
- When you have three or more external partners, they may be listed opposite the university, unit or multiunit SD lockup on printed marketing materials.
Internal: Two or More University Units
- To meet identity standards, reach out to the manager of creative services and branding for a multiunit SD lockup to use in place of multiple individual signatures. All identity standards, including minimum size and clear space, apply to multiunit signatures.
External: One or More Partners
- When you have approval to use and access to web resolution partner logos, they may be included on a website page or section titled "Sponsors" or "Partners." If you do not have access to a web resolution logo, you must list the partners by name under a page or section titled "Sponsors" or "Partners."
Internal: Two or More University Units
- To meet identity standards, reach out to the manager of creative services and branding for a multiunit SD lockup to use in place of multiple individual signatures. All identity standards, including minimum size and clear space, apply to multiunit signatures.
External: One or More Partners
- When space allows and you have approval to use and access to web resolution partner logos, they may be included in the post image opposite the university, unit or multiunit signature.
- List or tag all units and partners at the end of the text section of your post using “Sponsored by” or “In partnership with.”
All apparel and promotional products ordered by university entities, including co-branded items, must be ordered through a licensed vendor found at Trademarks and Licensing. Follow the guidelines for internal purchasing of branded items.
Internal: Two or More University Units
- To meet identity standards, reach out to the manager of creative services and branding for a multiunit SD lockup to use in place of multiple individual signatures. All identity standards, including minimum size and clear space, apply to multiunit signatures.
External: One or More University Units
- When imprint area allows and you have access to high-resolution files, external partner logos may be included below the university, unit or multiunit lockup. Create separation with a line. The text "partners" or "sponsors" may be included below the line. If you do not have a high-resolution logo, list the partner names in the font Caecilia.
