Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a word, name, phrase, symbol or any combination thereof that identifies and distinguishes goods or services of one party from those of others. A trademark is a brand name. Rights in trademarks arise as a result of the use of the marks in commerce to identify the source or origin of goods and services. In addition, a trademark remains the property of the owner so long as the owner continues to use it properly and protects its authenticity as a trademark.
What qualifies as a trademark, logo or symbol?
Any mark, name, logo, symbol, nickname, abbreviation, word, mascot, slogan, uniform insignia or landmark that is associated with University of Southern Indiana and is distinguishable from any other University of Southern Indiana, team or organization.
Who must be licensed?
Any individual or company that wishes to receive University of Southern Indiana's express permission to use any or all of its trademarks/logos on products or for services sold in the marketplace, whether wholesale, retail or online. Other activities, such as some noncommercial use of trademarks/logos, may or may not need to be licensed. Some activity may constitute fair use or free speech so as not to require license. Advice in that regard should be sought from your own legal counsel.
How long does it take to obtain approval?
The total length of the licensing process is usually determined by the speed of response from the licensee to requests for information. On average the Restricted License takes approximately 1-2 weeks and the Standard Licenses process takes approximately 3-4 weeks.
What products can be licensed?
University of Southern Indiana will not license activity which it believes would disparage the University of Southern Indiana or any of its trademarks, or would be libelous, slanderous, scandalous, offensive, vulgar or constitute an unfair trade practice, or otherwise reflect negatively on the University of Southern Indiana. Some activity may constitute fair use or free speech so as not to require license. Advice in that regard should be sought from your own legal counsel.
How can you obtain a licensing application?
You can obtain an application for a License Agreement directly from CLC Licensing Partners. View contact information.
Does all artwork have to be submitted for approval?
Yes. All art designs must be submitted for approval through CLC Licensing Partners' Approvals on Demand system.
All licensed vendors receive a username and password for the system upon licensure.
How are the University of Southern Indiana’s trademarks able to be used with other Trademarks (co-branding)?
Any use of University of Southern Indiana marks with other trademarks must be approved by the University of Southern Indiana Vice President for Marketing and Communications, or through a University of Southern Indiana contract.
How much does it cost to become licensed?
The fee for a Standard License Agreement is:
- $100 non-refundable application fee and
- 10% of the wholesale cost of any merchandise sold.
The fee for a Restricted License Agreement is:
- $75 non-refundable application fee.
What is the difference between the Standard License and the Restricted License?
The Standard License is used by companies that desire to produce licensed products for resale to the general public.
The Restricted License is used by companies that desire to only produce licensed products for internal consumption by the University of Southern Indiana. No products produced under this license agreement may be sold to the general public.
If the product is not going to be resold, does it have to be produced by a licensed vendor?
Yes. All items bearing University of Southern Indiana marks must be produced by a licensed vendor whether they are for resale or not.
Are any requests exempt from royalties?
Generally, items are subject to royalties. However, each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What does University of Southern Indiana do if unlicensed merchandise is discovered in the marketplace?
Merchandise produced without authorization may be considered counterfeit or infringing and subject to all available legal remedies.
When am I able to use the trademarks of University of Southern Indiana?
Any trademark that identifies or is associated with University of Southern Indiana may not be used without prior, expressed, written permission from the University of Southern Indiana Vice President for Marketing and Communications.
How can I obtain a list of licensees?
A list of licensees can be obtained through CLC Licensing Partners, the University of Southern Indiana Marketing and Communications office or the Licensed University of Southern Indiana Vendors page.
Is it acceptable to alter a University of Southern Indiana Trademark?
No. At no time can University of Southern Indiana Trademarks be altered. Altering a mark would hurt its integrity. This would dilute the strength and value of University of Southern Indiana's marks.