“The D&H” Trademark

The Delaware & Hudson Railway Historical Society, Inc. owns and controls the trademark for the iconic D&H script lettering as an integral part of our own logo. The organization’s goal is to protect the lettering and make it available to present and future preservationists without costly licensing fees that could result from it being controlled by a private or for-profit party. Through protecting and promoting the use of the D&H’s imagery, the D&HRHS hopes to further the preservation of the Delaware & Hudson.

We realize that there is interest widespread in using this lettering for use on everything from the restoration of original D&H equipment to the development of model trains, mugs, and t-shirts. Our purpose in acquiring the rights to the lettering was to ensure that it remained widely available to promote the D&H overall, so we have implemented a simple licensing policy for parties wishing to use it.

In all cases, please reach out to us to establish a license PRIOR to using the D&H lettering. Using it without a license constitutes trademark infringement, making it much more difficult to fulfill our regular licensing requirements and reach an amicable licensing agreement.

Equipment Restoration Projects

For museums, non-profit organizations, and heritage or operating railroads wishing to restore authentic Delaware & Hudson rolling stock or equipment, we offer a blanket, perpetual, no-cost license in support of these restoration projects. All we ask in return is that the licensee recognize, credit, and promote the D&HRHS in any of the licensee’s publicity for the restored equipment and/or events that feature it. It is this publicity that helps to grow our membership and incoming donations, and this influx of support allows us to keep the licenses free to these organizations. The first license issued by the D&HRHS was requested by Norfolk Southern for their D&H heritage locomotive #1080.

Our standard trademark license agreement for equipment restoration projects is available by clicking here. Please fill it out, sign it, and return it to us at trademark@delawarehudson.org with your inquiry. If your license is approved, we’ll simply sign it and return it to you, expediting this process for both parties.

Merchandise and Sales Items

For other organizations that wish to utilize the D&H trademark for merchandise, apparel, or other saleable items (such as model trains or t-shirts) or other projects, we are happy to explore licensing options that work for your business needs. If you are planning to make money from sales of D&H-branded merchandise, we will ask for recognition in your marketing materials or product listings and a nominal licensing fee that works within the scope of your projected sales. These fees help us continue our preservation efforts and drive interest in the D&H, which should help fuel your sales!

As our trademark licenses for merchandise and sales items are custom-tailored to meet your business needs, please contact us at trademark@delawarehudson.org to discuss your licensing agreement.