Core Principles and Policy Intent

The Use of Name policies and principles prohibit use of Johns Hopkins Medicine names, marks or logos in connection with an actual or implied endorsement of non-Johns Hopkins Medicine entities or their products, services, or activities. Actual or implied endorsement may suggest a relationship with another entity that does not exist and, in some cases, might compromise the integrity of Johns Hopkins Medicine for clinical care, educational and research missions.

Use of the Johns Hopkins Medicine name or logo by non-Johns Hopkins Medicine entities in their materials for products or services has the potential to create an actual or implied endorsement by Johns Hopkins Medicine. This includes lending their names in connection with Johns Hopkins Medicine services to promote commercial products or services and may not publish case studies or white papers that promote commercial products or imply endorsement.

Uses of the name or logos in material that serves a commercial marketing or promotional purpose, particularly those that imply endorsement of products or services, will not be approved.

Approval Requirements and Oversight

Outside organizations must obtain prior review and approval to use the Johns Hopkins Medicine name or logos in their publicity and communications in any medium (e.g., websites, white papers, case studies, blogs, social media, videos).

All third-party content referencing Johns Hopkins Medicine must be reviewed and approved in advance by a representative of JHM Brand Management.

JHM Brand Management has final authority over name and logo use, applying clear criteria, purpose, audience, risk, and alignment with standards to ensure consistent, transparent decisions.

Content will be evaluated based on whether it constitutes factual acknowledgment (permitted) or promotional/endorsement activity (restricted).

For information about a specific situation, submit a request.

Scope of Outside Organizations

Outside organizations include vendors, sponsors, and philanthropic donors; however, donor-related fundraising and development activities follow distinct recognition guidelines that differentiate between factual acknowledgment (permitted) and promotional use (restricted).

Philanthropy and Development - Specific Guidance

Donor-related recognition that is factual, non-promotional, and limited to acknowledgment of philanthropic support may be permitted in accordance with approved guidelines.

Factual descriptions of philanthropic support or collaboration may be permitted if they do not constitute marketing, endorsement, or comparative positioning.

Participation in donor-related communications (e.g., acknowledgments, impact statements, or factual descriptions of philanthropic initiatives) may be permitted with prior review to ensure content remains non-promotional.

In the context of development and fundraising, donors may be recognized through factual, non-promotional acknowledgment, including:

• Naming opportunities (e.g., spaces, programs, endowed positions)
• Use of descriptive phrases such as ‘supporter of’ or ‘benefiting’
• Inclusion in recognition materials, event signage, or donor listings, provided such use does not imply endorsement, commercial affiliation, or partnership

Use of the terms ‘partner,’ ‘partnership’ or similar language implying a formal endorsement or commercial alignment is not permitted in donor or sponsor materials unless explicitly approved.

Restrictions on Testimonials, Marketing, and Industry Activity

Johns Hopkins Medicine faculty and staff may not provide testimonials or quotes for external materials that promote commercial products, services, or investment opportunities. Click here for more info.

Corporate or industry logos and links may not be included on Johns Hopkins Medicine websites except in the context of approved donor recognition or sponsorship acknowledgment that is factual, non-promotional, and consistent with established guidelines.

Regarding industry promotional or marketing materials or displays may not be exhibited or displayed at any JHM locations. With the exception of formal exhibit areas during an accredited CME activity and in accordance with ACCME standards. Please note that this exception is very limited.

Free pharmaceutical samples and vouchers for free pharmaceutical samples may not be accepted.

See: Policy on Interaction with Industry (jhu.edu)

Related Policies and References

For policy on publicity about clinical research, see the Johns Hopkins Medicine Institutional Review Board’s Organization Policy on Press Releases and Other Planned Publicity for Clinical Research Studies.