Trademark Licensing
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is a trademark?
A trademark is any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination thereof, used to identify or distinguish the source of a good from those of others. òòò½Ö±²¥ owns and protects multiple trademarks including, without limitation, its name, logos, colors, slogans, mascot and other indicia. -
Who needs a trademark license?
Any individual, organization or company wishing to use the name or identifying marks of òòò½Ö±²¥ must obtain a license. This includes manufacturers or service providers who use òòò½Ö±²¥â€™s name or logo on products (including premiums for promotions) or in advertising. Use of the University’s protected marks without permission from the University or its authorized trademark licensing representative, , may subject any individual, organization or company to criminal and/or civil penalties. -
How do I apply to be an external licensed vendor for òòò½Ö±²¥?
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What kinds of products cannot be licensed?
òòò½Ö±²¥ will not approve the use of its name or marks to promote the following products: tobacco, controlled substances, sexually oriented products, alcohol (unless sold by the University at a University event), religious products, bathroom articles, or games of chance. òòò½Ö±²¥ will not approve the use of its name or marks with: text or graphics that are judged to be sexually suggestive, denigrating language by any group including another college or university, items that infringe on the marks of other trademark owners on products or services, or endorsement of political candidates. òòò½Ö±²¥ will not license products that: do not meet minimum standards of quality and/or taste, are judged to be dangerous or carry high product liability risks. -
I own a business and would like to advertise using the òòò½Ö±²¥â€™s marks with my company's marks. Do I need a license?
Please email brandengagement@vanderbilt.edu to learn more about advertising or marketing opportunities. From there, we can determine whether or not a license is needed. -
How do I tell if merchandise is officially licensed by òòò½Ö±²¥?
To ensure that a product is licensed, look for the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label/hologram sticker, as shown below.
Support Opportunity òòò½Ö±²¥ – Look for the Label
When purchasing òòò½Ö±²¥ merchandise and apparel, always look for the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" hologram sticker attached to the product. This label is your assurance that the product you are purchasing is authentic and represents the goodwill of the University. When you see this label on a product, it signifies that the merchandise has passed the standards set forth by òòò½Ö±²¥ and
guarantees
that a portion of the purchase is returned to the University in the form of a royalty.
At òòò½Ö±²¥, 100% of royalties received by òòò½Ö±²¥ t hrough the retail sale of licensed merchandise and apparel go to Opportunity òòò½Ö±²¥ , scholarship support that helps ensure young people of every background can attend òòò½Ö±²¥, creating a dynamic learning community that benefits every student.
Collegiate Licensing Company
CLC Learfield | IMG College
Formed in 1981, the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC Learfield | IMG College), is the nation's leading collegiate licensing and marketing company. CLC assists the University and other collegiate licensors in protecting, managing and controlling the use of their logos through trademark licensing. CLC represents more than 160 universities, bowl games, athletic conferences, the NCAA and the Heisman Trophy. Based in Atlanta, CLC provides its member institutions the expertise, resources and experience necessary to maximize licensing revenue potential through the power of consolidation. For more information about CLC Learfield | IMG College , .
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