| How do I become officially licensed? You must apply for a license with the Collegiate Licensing Company. Complete information regarding the Application Process can be found online at www.clc.com.
What are the different types of licenses?
Traditional Retail: The University allows for three types of licenses to be issued. The most frequently requested license is for the production of emblematic merchandise which will be sold by the licensee to retail establishments. This license is issued by The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). Sample products are reviewed, by CLC, for quality and safety standards prior to submission to the University for final approval. The University has established a standard royalty rate of 8½ % that is included in the wholesale prices charged by the licensees. CLC collects minimal annual advances from all of the licensees. Those advances are determined by the category of the product being licensed for production. The University of Arizona and CLC reserve the right to create new licensing programs and fees as market trends permit. Companies asking to be licensed ONLY for the University of Arizona may request a local/restricted license application.
On Demand: The second form of license agreement, an On- Demand license is issued to a company whose sole use of The University of Arizona's registered (or common law) trademarks, trade names, service marks , or logos is in response to a production request by a department (non retail), or recognized campus club and organization of The University of Arizona. Each request is approved through the Office of Trademarks & Licensing. When appropriate royalties may be charged to the licensee. On-Demand licenses are issued by CLC. A $100 annual fee (royalty advance payment) is charged. An On-Demand licensee is required to provide proof of insurance as specified by CLC. On-Demand licensees are not authorized to sell any products for traditional retail sales. Limited Use Trademark Agreement (promotional use): Use of University marks for commercial purposes, for a limited duration, require a written "limited use" or "promotional" licensing agreement. Depending upon the scope of the proposed program the University may implement the use of its own "Limited Use Agreement" or direct the requesting party to CLC. In all cases rights fees and/or royalties may be collected. Non University promotions that do not include the production of an emblematic product, but use a registered (or common law) trademark, trade name, service mark, or logo of The University of Arizona are not exempt from the requirement of obtaining a written licensing agreement. Appropriate rights fees and/or royalties may be charged. For purposes of consistency the University does not exempt campus operated stores from the requirement to purchase emblematic merchandise from licensed sources. Royalties are charged to campus stores in the same manner as charged to off campus retail establishments. Departments of the University, and recognized clubs and organizations participating in fund raising activities are also required to purchase emblematic merchandise from "Officially Licensed" vendors. Royalties are charged. Fund raising activities that include the use of commercial sponsor's names or logos, on the licensed product, will be accessed a higher royalty. What is a "trademark?"
A trademark is any word, phrase, symbol, design, sound, smell, color, product configuration, group of letters or numbers, or combination of these, adopted and used by a company to identify its products or services, and distinguish them from products and services made, sold, or provided by others. The primary purpose of trademarks is to prevent consumers from becoming confused about the source or origin of a product or service. Trademarks help consumers answer the questions: "Who makes this product?," and, "Who provides this service?" As consumers become familiar with particular marks, and the goods or services they represent, marks can acquire a "secondary meaning," as indicators of quality. Certain common words and geographical locations can also acquire secondary meaning and are afforded protection under the trademark law. "ARIZONA" is a geographical location, but it has also become a trademark for The University of Arizona. Trademarks help consumers answer another question: "Is this product or service a good one to purchase?" It is obvious to most people that The University of Arizona does not make all or most of the manufactured products that carry University trademarks. Through the University's licensing program companies have been authorized (licensed) to utilize the trademarks on a variety of goods and services. The University's willingness to license these manufacturers or service providers extends to them very valuable intellectual property assets that provide consumers with access to products which they associate with the University. Why have a trademarks and licensing program?
Arizona's licensing program performs the following functions: 1) Promotes The University of Arizona in a consistent and uniform manner; 2) Protects all of the institutions trademarks, service marks, logos, etc. from unauthorized uses; 3) Protects the consumer from inferior products bearing institutional marks; and 4) Provides revenue to the Division of Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics for scholarships, programs and facility renovations and upgrades Who must be licensed?
Any person, business, or organization desiring to use The University of Arizona's trademarks or verbiage on any product. This includes premiums, promotions, and advertising. Which products can be licensed?
Most products will be considered for a license. However, the University reserves the right to refuse a license to any person, organization, or business. The University will not license weapons, tobacco, or alcohol products. Can my business use the University's name and logos in local advertising?
Locally, commercial use of the University's marks is restricted to companies that participate in a promotional licensing agreement or participants in the the department of Intercollegiate Athletics Corporate Partners program. Corporate Partner programs are structured to meet the specific needs of your business and include a significant inventory of promotional and premium opportunities. For specific information on Corporate Partners, call Scott MacKenzie, Assistant Director of Athletics, Marketing and Development (520-621-8081). What happens if a trademark is used without a license?
The University is legally obligated to enforce it's trademark ownership rights. The Trademarks & Licensing staff conduct routine market place surveys and work closely with local and state law enforcement organizations to shut down illegal uses. Our trademarks have been registered with the United States Customs to prevent illegal entry of counterfeit products into the United States. Why buy officially licensed products?
The sale of counterfeit products in the United States are estimated to be as high as $200 billion annually. This translates into lost revenue for licensed companies, local retailers, diminished local and State and inferior products in the marketplace. How do I know if I have to go to an official licensee?
If you are having a University logo or trademark applied to a product it should be produced by an official licensee. Licensees are under contract and have agreed to use the marks as prescribed by the University. How do I determine if the product is subject to royalty fees?
If the name of The University (including the initials UA), or any logos, trademarks and phrases that have become associated with the University are utilized AND: The product is for resale; or The product promotes a specific event*; or The name, mark or logo of a third party is used. * If the product is for Spring Fling, Family Weekend, or Homecoming and the product specifically states "SPRING FLING", "FAMILY WEEKEND" or "HOMECOMING" (and does not include any commercial sponsors or endorsements) an approval form must be completed, but the royalty fee will be waived. Royalty waivers apply only to University departments and recognized campus clubs and organizations. These guidelines are usually sufficient in determining royalty/non royalty. However, each submission is reviewed individually to make sure all aspects of the situation are taken into consideration. How can I tell if the product I am purchasing is a licensed product?
Always look for the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label. Remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is! | 