Prohibition on Commercial Use and Endorsement

Johns Hopkins Medicine faculty and staff may not be quoted or provide testimonials in external materials that promote commercial products, services, or investment opportunities, or that imply endorsement. This includes content shown at internal company sales conferences or used in commercial sales contexts.

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.

Limited Exceptions

Limited exceptions may be made in the following circumstances:

• Faculty founders of startup companies that are developing technology licensed from Johns Hopkins Medicine and faculty inventors of technology licensed from Johns Hopkins Medicine may be quoted in those companies’ publicity material, such as news releases, provided there is prior review and approval of the proposed quote and any other uses of the Johns Hopkins Medicine logos by an authorized Johns Hopkins Medicine official.
• In connection with significant or strategic events, such as acquisition of a new hospital or a major business agreement, institutional leaders may determine that a faculty or staff quote is appropriate.

Philanthropy and Development - Exception for Communications

This restriction does not apply to donor or philanthropic communications that are not tied to commercial sales or promotion.

Philanthropy and Development - Permitted Donor-Related Participation and Recognition

Participation in donor-related communications may be permitted where content is limited to factual acknowledgment of philanthropic support, institutional impact, or programmatic outcomes, and does not constitute promotion, endorsement, or commercial alignment.

References to donors or philanthropic supporters may be permitted in a factual, acknowledgment-based manner that does not promote commercial interests.

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

Philanthropy and Development - Standards and Restrictions for Quotes in Donor Materials

Quotes in donor-related materials must remain factual and informational in nature. Repeated, prominent, or campaign-style use of quotes that could be perceived as promotional or as implying endorsement may require additional review or may not be approved.

Quotes and related content may not characterize the relationship as a ‘partnership’ or use similar language implying formal endorsement or commercial alignment unless explicitly approved.

Guidance and Contact Information

If you have questions, use the request form for branding and use of name. For information about the media, visit Working with the Media and Public Relations Team or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..