At a recent Durham Students' Union Societies Forum, societies were told that there were plans in place to force student societies to rename themselves in order to improve the university's brand. See : http://www.durhamsu.com/articles/societies-forum-update-society-branding

We believe that the student societies in Durham massively enhance the Durham University brand, and the Durham student experience, and that the university should be proud to be affiliated with them. Additionally, we feel that these proposals are superfluous, and act as an insult to those who dedicate a large amount of their time to make Durham a better place for students, staff and the community at large. 

We believe that student societies, formally ratified by Durham Students' Union, should be allowed to use the 'Durham University' branding, including use of the 'Palatinate Shield' and 'Palatinate Purple' design elements. Additionally, such societies should be allowed to market themselves as 'Durham University xxx Society', without fear of reprisals or litigation.