Hopkins Brand FAQs

General

1. Why do I need to have my use-of-name proposal reviewed by HIMG?
A: The Johns Hopkins name has become a highly regarded and well recognized “brand” in health care. It represents a standard of excellence in every aspect of health care research, education, clinical care and reflects everyone who supports these efforts. The HIMG policies have been established to ensure that health information products that carry the Hopkins brand meet standards of quality and integrity that are commensurate with the Hopkins reputation, as well as to ensure appropriate management of legal and other risks associated with branding such products.

2. What if I already am using the JH name/brand on a Web site?
A: HIMG needs to know where and how the Johns Hopkins name/brand is being used, so please send that information . Existing brand uses may require HIMG review. If you plan to change existing usage, HIMG must be notified.

3. How and to whom do I submit a proposal?
A: Proposals for use-of-name projects can be submitted online, by completing the online form.

4. How involved is the submission paperwork?
A: The submission form is one page; the lengthiest part is the description of the project and how the Hopkins name would be used. You also will need to provide support materials; because each proposal will have its own unique aspects, thse materials may vary among projects.

5. How long will it take to get a reply?
A: That depends on the complexity of the proposal. For example, a Category II proposal that is relatively straightforward could take a week or less to review. On the other hand, a Category IV proposal that involves a business partnership could take many months>

6. Should I submit an inquiry to HIMG before I get approval from my department/division chairs?
A: It may be more efficient if you get your department/division sign-off prior to submitting to HIMG.

7. Do I need to submit a proposal to HIMG if the branding project involves just one department at one school?
A: Yes.

8. How will my proposal be reviewed and by whom?
A: The proposal will be received by HIMG’s administrator, who will consult with HIMG’s chair. If they determine the proposal requires wider review, they will present it to the 7-member HIMG Working Group. Financially and legally complex proposals also may be reviewed by thefull 23- member HIMG Advisory Council. HIMG members represent the three health division schools and the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System.

9. Is there any point in this process where I may have to allocate funds for HIMG, for institutional support (e.g. developing a business plan) or for divisional, departmental or deans’ taxes? If so, how much?
A: Funds will not be needed for purposes of HIMG review; however, as for any business arrangement at Hopkins involving an outside entity, (e.g., Category III or IV arrangements) resources may be needed to develop a business plan or contract for project-specific services.

Category I

1. Do I need to provide any information about my non-branded project to HIMG?
A: Not as part of this policy.

2.  Where can I get a copy of my school’s conflict of interest and commitment policies?
A: Links to this information can be found  here.

Category II

1. How do I get sponsorship for my project?
A: A development professional in your school or division may be able to help you identify sponsorship opportunities. Often, faculty members have industry contacts who might be approached for support.

2. What are the Quality Control Guidelines?
A: These guidelines ensure that a system is in place to maintain objective, high quality, and up-to-date content in Hopkins branded health information publications.

Category III

1. What is meant by “ongoing HIMG oversight”?
A: Because Category III or IV projects will likely more fully engage the institution financially, legally and in terms of brand usage, HIMG may ask the project leader to provide HIMG with progress reports or specific information at regular intervals.  This is to ensure that complex projects associated with the Hopkins name are being managed in conformance with the Guidelines and any specific guidance received by HIMG.

2. How do I obtain legal review of contracts?
A: Contracts should be developed with and reviewed by your school’s General Counsel. Faculty and staff members should never enter into any legal agreement without such counsel. Please bear in mind that legal contracts that bind Hopkins or one of its divisions can be signed only by someone in your school or in the Health System who has institutional signature authority.

3. How might HIMG pursue further editorial review?
A: If during the HIMG review process, the members believe that the proposal does not include an adequate editorial process to ensure that the quality of the content will be of the highest standards, HIMG may recommend such a process be developed before approving the association of the Hopkins name with the project.

Category IV

1.  How do I go about developing a business plan and term sheet?
A: Begin by working with your department or divisional administrative director.

2.  How do I get approval from the CFO or equivalent?
A: For these projects, a HIMG representative can direct you to the appropriate institutional representatives to get these approvals. 

3. How do I obtain legal review of contracts? 
A: Contracts should be developed with and reviewed by your school’s General Counsel. Faculty and staff members should never enter into any legal agreement without such counsel. Please bear in mind that legal contracts that bind Hopkins or one of its divisions can be signed only by someone in your school or in the Health System who has institutional signature authority.