Why does Clemson University have a collegiate licensing program?
The demand by Clemson University students, alumni and friends for products depicting a University trademark, logo or symbol has reached new heights. Almost 400 manufacturers are licensed today for commercial use of the marks. As a result, Clemson University manages a licensing program to ensure that the public properly identifies and associates University logos on products bearing the institutional marks.
The Clemson University licensing program is designed to protect the integrity and ensure the proper use of the University name and logos. In order to administer the program, Clemson has established formal licensing procedures that will allow the institution to benefit from the commercial use of both the registered names and symbols.
The Clemson University licensing program is also designed to establish a cooperative relationship with licensees to assist in developing a marketplace demand for "Officially Licensed Clemson Products." The marketing strategy drives the consumer to purchase products that directly support the institution. The end result is a mutually beneficial partnership.
Below are several commonly asked questions regarding the Clemson University licensing program:
What is the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label?
This label is for approved and authorized use only and signifies that the merchandise on which it is attached has been approved for sale by the Collegiate Licensing Company and its client universities. The unauthorized reproduction, distribution or use of this label is prohibited.
What qualifies as a trademark, logo or symbol?
Clemson University has registered 19 different marks, including the word "Clemson," with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Do other universities have licensing programs?
The Clemson University licensing program began in 1982 as a result of increased requests to use University marks. Today, most universities and colleges have some form of licensing program. The Collegiate Licensing Company, the licensing agent for Clemson University, handles more than 150 colleges, universities and conferences nationwide.
What are some of the registered marks of Clemson University?
A partial list of those marks includes the University wordmark, seal, tiger symbol, Tiger Paw, new Alumni Association seal, old Alumni Association seal (no longer in use), CU and Flame (no longer in use), Block C with the Paw, Tiger Territory and others. Any mark that is intended to represent Clemson University is the property of the University.
How is use of the marks requested?
Requests to produce articles that use Clemson's registered marks or that imply endorsement by or association with Clemson in any way must be submitted to the Trademarks and Licensing Office or to Collegiate Licensing Company for approval PRIOR to the printing of the merchandise or articles. This includes requests from on-campus, internal groups such as fraternities, sororities, other service groups, colleges or departments, including IPTAY, the Clemson University equipment room or the Clemson University Athletic Department promotions office.
Internal requests to the Clemson University Trademarks and Licensing Office must include a letter indicating the intended audience for the specific merchandise, the number of items to be produced, an estimate of how long the inventory will last, the vendor producing the merchandise and the intended use of the profits from the sale of the merchandise. The Clemson University Licensing Department will respond with approval or disapproval and provide detailed instructions for placing an order. For a prompt response, designs and letters may be sent by fax to (864) 656-0415. Please note that a copy of the design will be faxed directly to Collegiate Licensing with our comments. Also, please be aware that Clemson can approve only Clemson's logos and marks. If your design contains the logos of another school, we request that you forward the design to Collegiate Licensing for approval.
Are prints of Clemson University buildings licensed?
Artists' prints of well-known University buildings or scenes that are advertised, marketed, packaged or otherwise presented in a manner that implies or suggests endorsement by the University shall become licensed products. Please be sure that any prints that you purchase to resell have been licensed through Collegiate Licensing.
What products may be licensed by Clemson University?
Clemson University does not exclude any product line as long as the marks are displayed with "good taste." All products bearing the marks of Clemson are approved by the director of University Trademarks and Licensing or the University Product Approval Committee.
How does Clemson University respond to trademark infringement?
Clemson University aggressively pursues infringers through legal channels, including, but not restricted to, letters of "Cease and Desist" and lawsuits. Suspected trademark infringement should be reported immediately to Director of University Trademarks and Licensing, by phone at (864) 656-2115 or by email at clemsonlicensing-l@clemson.edu. Please include the URL if the image has been used on the Internet.
Who coordinates the Clemson University licensing program?
For further information, contact:
University Director of Trademarks and Licensing
Clemson University
Post Office Box 31
Clemson, SC 29633
Telephone: (864) 656-2115
Fax: (864) 656-0415
How does a vendor obtain a license?
For further information, contact:
Licensing Director
The Collegiate Licensing Company
320 Interstate North, Suite 102
Atlanta, GA 30339
Telephone: (770) 956-0520
Fax: (770) 955-4491
How does a customer tell if merchandise is licensed?
The "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label should appear on all approved and licensed merchandise.
With this label, alumni, students, fans and supporters know they are buying a product of quality and authenticity that represents the goodwill of Clemson University. The label is your assurance that merchandise has been approved by the institution.
Any merchandise not bearing these labels for institutions represented by the Collegiate Licensing Company, but using the marks of that institution, may represent an infringement of trademark laws, punishable by law.