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UNC Greensboro

Licensing

About UNCG Trademarks & Licensing
The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) is recognized via a variety of marks and designs as well as words, phrases and letters that identify the University and symbolize our mission, values, and traditions. These marks have been registered as a means of protecting them from unauthorized use and abuse.

The University must approve the use of all goods and products bearing UNCG logos or trademarked verbiage which are the property of UNCG. The use of UNCG logos must comply with UNCG policies, which apply to all visual representation of the university including:
  • Signs and Banners
  • Video Productions
  • Printed and Electronic Materials
  • Apparel, Goods and Specialty Items
  • Promotional Items
No department, division, or organization may authorize the production of printed materials or merchandise bearing the University's name or logo, or authorize or produce items that combine the logo with any other name or logo unless approved by UNCG Trademark Licensing and all appropriate administrative office(s) such as University Communications.

UNCG Trademark Licensing Program
The UNCG Trademark Licensing Program establishes a foundation for promoting and protecting the use of its trademarks by maintaining control over UNCG’s logos and marks, thus ensuring the quality and consistency of all UNCG visual representation and merchandise. The program also enables the University to generate revenue from the sale of merchandise bearing UNCG logos and marks. Additionally, the Trademark Licensing Program creates a cooperative and positive working relationship with University constituents, manufacturers, and retailers who work with the University.

UNCG holds a membership with the Fair Labor Association (FLA). FLA is a multi-stakeholder initiative that invites participation from all organizations committed to promoting fair labor standards around the world. FLA monitors social compliance and ensures the ethical production of items bearing the UNCG marks and/or logos.
 
About The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC)
UNCG's collegiate licensing partner, the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), administers the licensing process on our behalf to ensure the use and rights to our University's marks are protected. CLC is responsible for processing licensing applications, collecting royalties, enforcing trademarks, and pursuing new market opportunities. More information can be found on the CLC website.
 
UNCG Licensing Representatives
University licensing is a shared responsibility between Intercollegiate Athletics and University Communications. For questions, please contact one of the following staff members:
For use of Athletic/Spirit Marks or Retail related items:
Ashlee Magosin
Senior Associate Athletic Director of Business Operations
UNCG Intercollegiate Athletics
(336) 256-1295
a.magosin@uncg.edu

For use of University Marks or Internal related items:
Jaysen Buterin
Assistant Director, Creative Services
UNCG University Communications
(336) 389-2091
jpbuteri@uncg.edu

Licensing Policies and Procedures
UNCG has developed policies and procedures regarding the use of its name and marks to protect ownership of its intellectual property. Per our licensing policy, any vendor producing products imprinted with UNCG marks must be a licensed vendor. Both internal and external orders require a license.

Current marks and usage guidelines are available here:
UNCG University Brand Guide
UNCG Spirit Marks Brand Guide
UNCG Artwork Sheet

Use of University Marks
Only appropriate use of the University’s marks is permitted. Please note UNCG reserves the right to prohibit use of its trademarks with certain issues and products, such as alcohol, tobacco, candidates for public office, those products that infringe upon another entity's trademarks or would be considered in poor taste by the general public.
 
The University will not license products that do not meet minimum standards of quality, are in bad taste, are dangerous, or carry high liability risks.
 
Modification of University Marks
Licensed University logos may not be distorted or redrawn, rescanned, reversed, stretched, repositioned, or modified in any form without explicit approval to do so. Logos should always follow color and application guidelines as outlined on the UNCG Artwork Sheet for athletics/spirit marks, and the University’s brand guide for University logos
 
Use with other Trademarks (aka Co-Branding)
Any use of University marks with other trademarks must be approved by UNCG Trademark Licensing or through a University contract, and be approved by the co-branding party.
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Policy 1 - Traditional Retail Merchandise
Any company interested in manufacturing product that will be sold to consumers through retail distribution channels (including Internet) must obtain a license through The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). All companies must complete the application and the requirements for licensing as outlined by CLC. CLC will communicate all information to UNCG Trademark Licensing.

Based on the information provided, the University will determine whether a company will or will not be granted a license. The retail market for collegiate merchandise in general and UNCG merchandise specifically has become saturated in certain product categories. Therefore, licenses may not be granted to new companies in certain categories.

The basic requirements for licensing include completing the application, providing proof of product liability insurance (amount is based on the product category), signing a license agreement (and authorized manufacturer agreements if needed), signing the labor code agreement, paying the applicable advance, getting all designs and products approved, and reporting royalties on the sale of UNCG merchandise.

Interested vendors can learn more about the application process here: https://clc.com/home/get-licensed/.
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Policy 2 - Campus Departments and Student Organizations
Use of a UNCG mark with an organization name implies association with the University. Therefore, only those student organizations that are officially recognized by the SGA and official campus departments are allowed to use UNCG trademarks in conjunction with their organization's name.

Any product bearing UNCG trademarks or a specific departmental logo should be purchased from licensed manufacturers. Using an officially licensed company to manufacture a product ensures that the company has provided the correct product liability insurance and signed the University's labor code of conduct agreement. A list of Internal Licensees can be found here.

To ensure consistency in the use of the UNCG name and logos, all product designs must be approved by UNCG Trademark Licensing before production. In most cases, the manufacturer can submit the design to CLC for approval on behalf of the organization/department. However, if there are questions concerning the design, the organization's representative may contact UNCG Trademark Licensing staff directly.

Recognized student organizations and campus departments may include sponsor names/logos on event promotional items in conjunction with the University marks under the following conditions:
  • The student organization/department's name must be included to communicate that the relationship is a partnership with a particular group and not an endorsement by the University as a whole.
  • The use of the University marks in conjunction with sponsor names/logos is considered a promotional item whether sold or used as a giveaway.
  • Based on the use and/or scope of the program, a rights fee may be assessed.
In determining exemptions from royalty payment, consideration is given to the mission of the licensing program and the many constituents it serves. Given these criteria, the University is not required to pay royalties to itself for purchases of services or products that are a necessity for faculty and staff to perform their job (i.e. equipment, services, uniforms, educational tools).

However, the University attempts to avoid unfair competition with other retailers and service providers and therefore, does not exempt itself from paying royalties on the purchase of goods that are to be resold to members or to the general public, regardless of the purpose of the sale.
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Policy 3 - Affiliated Organizations
Affiliated UNCG student organizations may use University marks for identification and fundraising within the guidelines of University policy.

Printed materials for use on campus, such as signs, brochures, handbills, and handouts, do not need prior Trademark Licensing Office approval as long as uses are in accordance with official University logo usage guidelines and Student Groups have items approved by their faculty sponsor. Advance approval through UNCG Trademark Licensing is required for any materials bearing University marks intended for off-campus distribution.

Affiliated student groups may place University marks on websites housed on University owned-servers, in accordance with University policy regarding websites.

Affiliated student organizations may purchase merchandise bearing University marks, but all such purchases must be from licensed manufacturers. A list of current UNCG officially licensed vendors is available from UNCG Trademark Licensing.

If the merchandise is for the student members of the organization, the vendor will not have to pay royalties on the items. This should be reflected in the price to the organization. If the merchandise is for resale to anyone else, even as a fundraiser for charity, royalties will need to be paid.
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Policy 4 - Non-University Use
Use of UNCG marks by organizations that are not affiliated with the University, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. See the University’s Advertising Policy for advertising and sponsorship details. Below are the basic guidelines that will be followed:
  • The University recognizes that there are many groups that support the University from academics to athletics (i.e. alumni and booster clubs). However, any group wanting to use the University trademarks on product for its membership or for resale should purchase the product from a current University licensee. By supporting the University's licensing initiatives, organizations can assist the University by ensuring that product bearing the University logo is of the highest quality and meets all insurance and contractual requirements. The licensee is responsible for getting the design approved by UNCG Trademark Licensing and remitting the University's royalty on the wholesale price of the product.
  • Businesses may not establish a permanent statue or mural that includes the University trademarks or likeness without written permission from UNCG Trademark Licensing.
  • Businesses may use the University trademarks in a non-permanent fixture (i.e. window painting, removable lettering on marquees) supporting a University event.
  • Businesses or organizations may not use the trademarks of the University in any type of advertisements, on websites or on banners, etc., without written permission from UNCG Trademark Licensing.
  • Individuals or organizations may not utilize the University's trademarks in conjunction with a candidate for political office or policy/legislative issue without written permission from UNCG Trademark Licensing.
  • Individuals may not use the University trademarks on a website without written permission from UNCG Trademark Licensing.
  • The University does not allow its trademarks to be used in conjunction with not-for-profit organizations.
  • Businesses may not produce merchandise for resale or giveaway that utilizes the University's trademarks and its name and/or logo without written permission from  UNCG Trademark Licensing.
  • Businesses may not use the University trademarks to promote its products or services in print advertising, radio, or television without written approval from UNCG Trademark Licensing.
  • Licensees or retailers of University merchandise may print their name on the product. However, the logo or name may be only 1 ½ inches by 1 ½ inches in size. To maintain consistency, this coincides with NCAA rules regarding company branding on uniforms etc.
  • Rights fees and royalties for the use of the University trademarks in all instances may be assessed.
How to Become a Licensed Vendor
The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) is responsible for administering the UNCG licensing program, including processing applications, collecting royalties, enforcing trademarks, and pursuing new market opportunities. For information regarding the application process, please visit CLC’s Licensing Information and License Type Quick Reference.

Not every vendor that applies for a license is approved. Information such as compliance history, accounting history, marketing plan, product/design uniqueness, product quality, and market need/saturation are considered when determining whether or not a vendor will be licensed.

How to Order from a Licensed Vendor
UNCG logo goods to be used by a business or vendor, or a division, department, or organization of the University must be obtained from a licensed manufacturer and approved by UNCG Trademark Licensing prior to production.

No department, division, or organization may authorize the production of merchandise bearing the University's name or logo, or authorize or produce items that combine the logo with any other name or logo unless approved by UNCG Trademark Licensing and all appropriate administrative office(s).

Current lists of UNCG licensees and the products they are licensed to produce are provided below:
Retail Licensee List (PDF)
Internal Licensee List (PDF)
CLC Licensee Search
 
Internal Artwork Approval Process
  1. Review the University's Brand Guide and Licensing Program Information.?
  2. Select vendor from UNCG's Internal Licensee List and contact them to begin order.
  3. Create design or work with approved vendor to create design.
  4. Provide the following information to the vendor:
    • Registered Student Organization/Department/School
    • Your Name, Email & Phone
    • Quantity
    • Is the item being purchased with University funds? 
    • Purpose of Order
  5. Vendor will submit artwork and above information to UNCG Licensing via CLC BrandManager portal.
  6. CLC will review and approve (1-3 business days).
  7. UNCG Licensing Reps will review and approve (1-3 business days).
    • University Marks / Internal Designs – University Communications (Jaysen Buterin)
    • Spirit/Athletic Marks / Retail – Athletics (Ashlee Magosin)
  8. Once approved vendor will fulfill order. Confirm production timeline with them directly.
Note: If artwork does not meet brand guidelines, Licensing Reps will leave remarks for vendor in BrandManager and vendor should reach out to you about necessary changes. The artwork must be updated and resubmitted for approval.
 
Licensing FAQs
 
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a word(s), logo or package design, or a combination of them, used by a manufacturer or merchant to identify its goods and distinguish them from others. (Borchard, "A Trademark is Not a Copyright or a Patent," 2002)

What is Trademark Licensing?
Trademark licensing is a contractual relationship under which a trademark owner grants another the right to use a mark, subject to terms of the contract.  Trademark licensing does not transfer ownership of the mark.  (CLC, "Licensing Basics," 2003)

What qualifies as a UNCG trademark, logo, or symbol?
Any mark, logo, symbol, nickname, letter(s), word(s) or combination of these that can be associated with the University qualifies as a trademark. For a complete list of University logos and usage guidelines visit our University Brand Guide or UNCG Branding Art Sheet.

What is the difference between ®, "TM", and "SM"?
The symbol "TM" stands for trademark.  The symbol "SM" stands for service mark.  Both of these are informal symbols that indicate you claim common law trademark rights to a name or logo.  These two symbols are used prior to obtaining full federal registration. 

The symbol ®, the phrase "Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office," or the abbreviation "Reg U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off." denote that the mark has been granted full federal registration.  This means that the owner of the mark may prosecute anyone who uses the mark without permission.

Who must be licensed?
Any individual or manufacturer wishing to use the marks, logos and symbols of the University must obtain a license.  Although departments and student groups affiliated with the University do not need to be licensed themselves, they should use a licensed vendor to produce items bearing the University's marks.  It is typically much easier to work with an established University licensee than to try and license a new product or idea. 

What products can be licensed?
The University allows its marks to be applied to a wide variety of apparel and non-apparel items. Examples of these items are shirts, sweats, hats, scarves, jackets, children's clothing items, golf accessories, key chains, frames, glassware, blankets, umbrellas, jewelry, and notebooks. UNCG allows its marks to be applied on consumables and health & beauty products.
The University does not, however, allow its marks to be used on tobacco and alcohol-related products. 

A determination as to whether or not an item is acceptable is made at the time the vendor submits a request for a new product approval through CLC.

Are student or campus organizations required to use an officially licensed manufacturer for products they plan to produce?
Yes, departments and student groups affiliated with the University must use a licensed vendor to produce items bearing the University's marks.

Do departments and University offices need permission to utilize the University's trademarks?
University schools, departments, and affiliated organizations may use the University's name or marks in their literature, signage, etc. If the school, department, or affiliated organization wishes to use the University's name or marks on items to be given away or used as uniforms, the design must be submitted to the UNCG Trademark Licensing Department for approval. A licensed vendor should be used whether royalties are required or not.

Please remember that the University's marks may not be altered in any way. You may not incorporate the University's marks with a commercial vendor's mark. For more information, see our University Brand Guide or UNCG Branding Art Sheet.

Can a University department, employee, or campus organization permit a company to use a UNCG trademark?
No. University schools, departments, and affiliated organizations may not assign, sublicense, or modify the name UNC Greensboro, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, UNCG or any marks of the University. All products which University schools, departments, or affiliates wish to have produced bearing the name and marks of the University are regulated by the UNCG Trademark Licensing Program. 

Can a University department or campus organization use the University's logos in printed information describing the services of their department or organization?
Yes, but it is important to use the marks correctly. Please visit the University Brand Guide or UNCG Branding Art Sheet for more information.

How do I report possible trademark infringement?
The UNCG Trademark Licensing Program is committed to protecting UNCG’s trademarks and the reputation they represent. We work with CLC and law enforcement agencies to enforce our trademark rights.  No use of UNCG trademarks is permitted without written consent of UNCG Trademark Licensing or University Communications.  

Information regarding possible trademark infringement should be reported to UNCG Trademark Licensing via Ashlee Magosin at a.magosin@uncg.edu.