UGC warns institutions against 'unauthorized' use of its name, logo

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned students against persons, institutions, and organizations attempting to misuse the name and logo of UGC. The commission also warned of legal action over infringement of trademark rights. The warning came after the apex body noticed an unauthorized use of its logo leading to confusion among students.

“It has come to notice that the Official Logo of University Grants Commission is being used by various organizations/ institutions without proper approval and authorization from UGC. Unauthorized use/misuse of Logo of UGC is misleading to confusion amongst the students and other stake holders who are enrolling for various courses/ programmes being offered by Higher Educational Institutions (HEls),” said UGC in an official notice.

The commission informed the higher education institutions that it has neither appointed nor authorised any person or entity to represent or act on its behalf or use its name, logo, and website or any other credentials.

“All are requested to exercise caution while dealing with such unauthorized person/institutions/organizations attempting to misuse the name & logo of UGC for wrongful gains,” it warned.

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Violation of trademark rights

UGC further informed that its logo has been registered under Trade Marks Act 1999 and is the ‘exclusive property’ of the commission. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of the UGC logo will be considered an infringement of trademark rights and may lead to legal proceedings.

The commission asked the public to bring to its notice any instance of violation and expressed commitment to transparency, service, and excellence in higher education and research.