Use of bucking horse and rider prohibited in campaigns

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Candidates for political office in Wyoming and elsewhere are reminded that the state’s bucking horse and rider mark may not be used in political campaigns or on campaign materials, social media and websites.

Additionally, the University of Wyoming’s name, trademarks, logos, official seals, licensed music, buildings, statues or landmarks may not be used for political campaign purposes.

The reminder comes as many Wyomingites announce their intent to run for office and the May 14-29 filing period approaches.

The Wyoming state government — which has a long-standing agreement with the university in managing the bucking horse and rider mark — has a regulation prohibiting its use for political campaigns.

UW’s Board of Trustees recently approved a motion for the university to fully enforce the regulation regarding the bucking horse and rider mark. Additionally, the board directed the university to enforce the prohibition on political campaign use of UW’s name, trademarks, logos, official seals, licensed music, buildings, statues or landmarks.

Excluded from the prohibition is the incidental use of UW’s trademark brown and gold colors by political campaigns. 

For example, a candidate appearing in a campaign photo clad in UW clothing or with a bucking horse and rider logo would be a violation. However, a photo of a candidate interacting with a person wearing such clothing would not be a violation.

UW’s Trademark Licensing Office has frequently asked questions and answers on its website to which political campaigns may refer.