Q: Why does the Department of the Air Force have a licensing program?
A: A trademark licensing program gives the Department of the Air Force control over its logos and marks, thus, ensuring the quality and consistency of all of the licensed merchandise. It also enables the Air Force and Space Force to generate revenue from the sale of merchandise bearing their logos and marks. The revenue is used to support and enhance Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs for Airmen and Guardians worldwide. Also, the trademark licensing program creates a cooperative and positive working relationship with the manufacturers and retailers who work with the Air & Space Forces.
Q: Who runs the Department of the Air Force Trademark Licensing Program?
A: The Air Force and Space Force Intellectual Property Management Program is a Secretary of the Air Force program under the supervision of the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Director, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C. The Air Force Public Affairs Agency, a field operating agency under the public affairs director, currently runs the program. AFPAA is located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
Q: Can Airmen, Guardians or units use the Air Force Symbol or Space Force logo for fundraising?
A: Before contacting local manufacturers regarding new products, designs, or an idea for a fundraiser, be sure to check with the Air Force and Space Force Intellectual Property Management office. The program managers will be able to identify local manufacturers to produce the items, saving everyone time and effort.
Q: How does licensing affect Air Force & Space Force's members (retired, active duty, civilians, booster clubs, professional orgs)?
A: Anyone interested in using the Air Force and Space Force's names or trademarks for any purpose must secure the prior approval of the Intellectual Property Management Program. Sales of products bearing an Air Force or Space Force trademark by Air Force and Space Force units and their official booster clubs, as well as official USAF and USSF professional organizations (Top 3, Airmen Against Drunk Driving, CGOC, ect.), are usually exempt from the royalty charge as long as the products are for internal use, to be given away, or, if for sale to the public, are sold directly (not via a retailer) with all proceeds benefiting the unit or professional organization.
Approval for designs must be obtained in advance from the Licensing Program. Units or groups wishing to use the Air Force and Space Force's names or trademarks must comply with DODI 5535.12 DAFI35-114.
Q: May I use the Air Force or Space Force names or trademarks on a custom-made gift?
A: Permission to use the Air Force or Space Force names or trademarks on a custom-made product may, on a case-by-case basis, be given if that gift cannot be purchased from a licensed retailer and if it is intended for the personal use of a member of the Air Force and Space Force's community (active-duty or retired Airmen, Guardians and their families, civilian employees, contractors). Inquiries and requests for permission should be directed to the Intellectual Property Management Program.
Q: What are the trademarks of the Department of the Air Force?
A: The trademarks of the Air Force and Space Force collectively known as the Dept. of the Air Force include "U.S. Air Force," "USAF," "United States Air Force," "United States Space Force," "USSF," the Air Force Symbol, the Air Force Emblem, Space Force logo and the logo and trade dress of the Air Force Thunderbirds and Air Force One; and several other marks associated with the Dept. of the Air Force, such as unit patches and insignias, enlisted rank, the Army Air Corps Wings, and slogans such as "Aim High...Fly. Fight. Win." An "®" should appear on all products bearing the Air Force Symbol, USSF vertical logo, "USSF"; a "TM" should appear on products containing any of the USAF and USSF marks that are not yet registered.
Q: What is the purpose of the Air Force & Space Force Intellectual Property Management Program?
A: The main purpose of the IP Management Program is to ensure that the Air Force and Space Force names and trademarks are used appropriately, in good taste, and with high-quality reproduction. The IP Management Program seeks to avoid misrepresentation of the Air Force and Space Force to the public.
Q: What steps does the Department of the Air Force take to ensure that Air Force & Space Force merchandise is produced in fair and humane working conditions?
A: The Department of the Air Force is committed to working to achieve fair and humane working conditions for all involved in the manufacture of its licensed goods.
We believe that the most effective approach requires a rational system for gathering and analyzing facts about the industry and using this information to realize the goal of improved working conditions.
Licensees are required to adopt the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct and to comply with FLA requirements.
Additionally, Air Force and Space Force merchandise may not include goods listed on the Department of Labor's List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor.
Q: Where can I buy licensed Air Force & Space Force-branded goods?
A: View our list of approved licensees by clicking here.
Q: Who is responsible for the protection of the USAF and USSF names?
A: SAF/PA is charged by the Secretary of the Air Force with the responsibility of ensuring that the Air Force and Space Force names and trademarks are used properly. This duty is fulfilled through the Air Force Intellectual Property Management Program ("Licensing Program").
Q: Who needs a license?
A: Any person, business, or organization interested in using the Air Force and Space Force names or trademarks for any purpose must secure the prior approval through the Licensing Program.