The MTA Licensing Program grants businesses and creators the rights to use MTA intellectual property (IP) across a wide range of commercial applications. Whether you’re looking to feature iconic MTA assets in traditional out-of-home campaigns, social media advertising, films, shows, documentaries, consumer products or branded merchandise, this program provides the official pathway to bring the MTA’s iconic New York legacy into your work.
MTA IP is an enduring symbol of New York City. The MTA owns a vast amount of IP, from our registered trademarks like the MTA symbol, the MetroCard and the NYC subway route symbols to our copyrights, like the first new NYC subway map released in nearly half a century, retro MTA customer messaging and promotional ads, and permanent station artwork.
Categories of MTA IP
- Symbols (MTA, MTA New York City Transit, MTA Bus, MTA Long Island Rail Road, MTA Metro-North Railroad, MTA Bridges & Tunnels)
- Signage (NYCT, MTA Bus, LIRR, MNR, Bridges & Tunnels)
- Fare media (MetroCard and subway tokens)
- Station names (NYCT, MTA Bus, LIRR, MNR)
- Maps (NYCT, MTA Bus, LIRR, Bridges & Tunnels)
- Grand Central Terminal (exterior and interior)
- NYCT subway route indicators (eg. )
- Rolling stock (NYCT, MTA Bus, LIRR, & MNR)
- Historic and contemporary images and photographs
- MTA Arts & Design (permanent station installations, car art cards)
Using MTA IP
If you are interested in using MTA IP in advertising, promotions, publishing or film/tv, please email MTALicensing@nyct.com with your request. If you choose to move forward with utilizing MTA IP in your project, you will be issued a non-exclusive license agreement. The MTA charges a fee for the use of its intellectual property. The agreement and applicable fees will be determined based on the request you submit.
The MTA reserves the right to deny an IP license in its sole discretion or to condition any MTA IP license on stated terms.
If you are interested in using MTA IP in products and becoming an official MTA licensee, reach out to the MTA's licensing agent, IMG Licensing LLC by visiting IMG Licensing’s MTA website or by emailing MTALicensingInquiries@img.com.
Recent licensees include:
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Nathan’s Famous
- J. Crew
- Only NY
- Kate Spade New York
- Fishs Eddy