Licensing

The term QUADBALL™  is a trademark of The Queue Project, LLC, a joint venture of US Quadball and Major League Quadball. To use the US QUADBALL™ word mark and/or logos in connection with a team, merchandise, or other specific contexts, one must apply for a license. USQ member teams will have access to a special discounted license that will allow them to use the US QUADBALL™ mark and USQ logos on merchandise, online platforms like websites and social media channels, and for events. There are no restrictions on the media usage of the term “Quadball,” even when they are referring to USQ, MLQ, or a specific team. 

LICENSING PROCESS

Obtaining a license for USQ member teams is a two-step process:

1. Paying the $5 annual licensing fee
2. Signing the licensing agreement

Both items will be folded into the USQ team registration process. 

Licensing FAQ

Why is the term QUADBALL a trademark?

By applying to register the term QUADBALL in connection with specific goods and services and building up common law rights in the mark, USQ and MLQ have secured additional legal protections and rights for how the term is used in the United States and around the world. Going through this process now ensures that those associated with the Quadball community don’t get shut out of opportunities due to third parties, like trolls. US QUADBALL also has trademark rights in the US QUADBALL™ mark and our logos. 

Why do I have to apply for a license?

One of the major responsibilities of having a trademark is enforcing the trademark to ensure that only those who have permission can use the mark. This enforcement is typically done through a licensing process–those who do not enforce their trademark risk losing their trademark registration. 

How long does the team license last?

Once a team has been approved for a US QUADBALL™ license, the agreement auto-renews annually on October 31/when you register for team membership for the following season, presuming the team pays the $5 annual licensing fee by ​​November 1 or the next business day thereafter and follows the terms of the licensing agreement. A team may withdraw from the licensing agreement by contacting USQ staff directly at least 30 days prior to the renewal date. 

Can our team sell things once we have a US QUADBALL™ license?

Teams that hold a US QUADBALL™ license will be able to sell merchandise with the team name and/or logo on it that complies with the terms of the license. Mary Kimball can answer any specific questions.

I wish to obtain a license, and I am not a part of a USQ member team. What do I do?

Contact megan.anderson@usquadball.org for more information.

My team is not using the term QUADBALL in any capacity. Do we still need to apply for a license?

If your team wants to use the new USQ logo on jerseys, then yes, you need to obtain a license. However, if your team is not using the term or logo at all, then you do not need a license.

Logo Use Guidelines

This policy governs the use of US Quadball’s “shield” logo and regional logos.

WHO CAN USE

Official member teams with a US QUADBALL™ license may use the logo in formats, content, and situations that include but are not limited to apparel/merch, posters, recruitment flyers, and team websites. Non-official member teams with a US QUADBALL™ license may only reproduce the logo for recruitment purposes.

Outside organizations may use the logo in instances that include but are not limited to use on banners advertising quadball at conventions, posters and flyers for USQ events, and on city/CVB websites. USQ requests that parties wanting to use the US QUADBALL™ logo email membership@usquadball.org for approval.

HOW TO USE

1. Any reproductions of the logo must feature the design as-is, i.e., unchanged in terms of color, pattern, or shape.
2. Exception: If the logo is reproduced in black and white, it may appear as-is in greyscale.   
3. Any teams using the logo must apply for a US QUADBALL™ license; the logo can’t be used until the license is granted. 
4. The shield logo used must always be the most current, official version of the logo. A version of this is linked below.
5. If a team currently utilizes a version of the USQ logo that would not be permitted under this policy (e.g., an unofficial team featuring the logo or an official team featuring the logo with modifications,) USQ will request that the team conform their logo use to these guidelines effective immediately.
6. Exception: If a team features a disallowed version of the logo on a uniform, the team will be allowed to continue using that logo only on that iteration of the uniform. When a new uniform design is created for the team, the team may no longer use a disallowed version of the logo. If a team using a disallowed version wishes to order a new batch of jerseys for a new set of players, that team may do so. However, when the entire team replaces their old jerseys with a new design, whenever that replacement occurs, the new design must conform to these guidelines.
7. One should not be able to mistake the piece with USQ’s logo for something USQ produces.

USQ always retains ultimate ownership over the use of its logo and the right to request that any entity, including an official member team, refrain from using the logo. Generally, this would occur only in cases of an entity misusing the logo or representing or endorsing ideals that are incongruous with the mission of USQ.

GET THE LOGO

Teams interested in using the USQ “shield logo” in accordance with the above guidelines may download a .png version.

For outside organizations, to request the logo in other file types, please email membership@usquadball.org.