Trademark Licensing

About Trademark Licensing

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) was established as a teachers college in 1911. While our commitment to preparing teachers and school leaders is ever strong, the university has grown into a complex regional nationally recognized institution. ETSU effectively combines a wide range of strong academic curriculum of over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including 13 on the doctoral level. An NCAA Division I school and member of the Southern Conference, the Buccaneer program consists of 18 teams and participates in the Football Championship Subdivision.

The Office of the President established a trademark licensing program whose mission is to: 

  • direct all commercial and retail associated with university identifying marks;
  • protect university brand, by: 
    • ensuring that only approved representations of the university identity appears before the public;
    • monitor and prohibit unauthorized use of university identifying marks;
  • generate revenue through transactions associated with trademark licensing.

Learn more about trademark basics here.

The formal licensing program is administered through and in partnership with CLC.

Please click on the following links for additional information.

Licensing

Any external (commercial) or internal (promotional merchandise and apparel) use of ETSUs name or trademarks requires advanced permission from the university via a trademark license agreement. Once approved, the business or person requesting permission becomes a "licensee" and the individual products become "licensed products."

ETSU has contracted with CLC to assist in administrating the university's trademark licensing program. CLC administers the application process, collects royalties, develops corporate retail partnerships, and provides trademark infringement guidance, when needed.

For information on CLC resources and services, as well as applications for becoming a licensed vendor of ETSU, please contact CLC directly:

CLC
1075 Peachtree Street
Suite 3300
Atlanta, GA 30309
P: (770) 956-0520
F: (770) 995-4491
www.clc.com

Prior to the production of any merchandise containing ETSU marks, licensees must submit to the ETSU Director of Trademarks and Licensing for approval through Brand Manager 360. Artwork approval is required for each new design and reorder, regardless of who orders it. This includes merchandise ordered by all university departments and student groups/organizations, in addition to commercial use.

The requirement for artwork approval is to ensure that the marks of the university are presented correctly and consistently. The university will attempt to provide as much design latitude as possible keeping in mind the intended consumers; however designs for events that promote alcoholic beverages or drinking will not be approved. All designs submitted are held in confidence, and are not shared with nor made available to other licensees, retailers, or university departments for copying.

 

Obtaining a License

Items for sale using the University Trademarks must be licensed.

CLC is the licensing agent for ETSU. As such, CLC is responsible for administering the licenses (third party permissions for vendors and manufacturers), including processing of vendor applications, collecting and distributing royalties, and enforcing proper trademark usage.
 
CLC consists of more than 900 colleges and universities, athletic conferences, the special properties nationwide.  Based in Atlanta, CLC provides its member institutions the resources and expertise necessary to maximize licensing revenue potential.

Standard License - If you are a business interested in producing items using ETSU  trademarks, you can apply for a license with CLC our licensing agent.

Internal Usage License - If you are a business interested in producing products intended to be sold directly to the university that are for internal/non-resale use, you can apply for a license with CLC, our licensing agent. All sales must be exempt from royalties (as determined by University Licensing Policy). Many internal suppliers chose to hold a standard license.

Crafters License- If you are interested in hand-making items using ETSU trademarks, and you do not intend to sell these items wholesale to retail stores, but instead sell your hand-crafted items at fairs, farmers markets, and online, you are eligible to apply for a Crafters license. Detailed information is located on the Crafters License page.

Inquiries regarding the University Licensing Program should be directed to masonb@etsu.edu



Trademark

What is a trademark?

A trademark is any word, slogan, symbol, design, or combination of these elements which identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one party from others.

The university has delegated the responsibility for maintaining, managing, licensing and protecting the university trademarks to the Director of University Trademarks and Licensing under the direction of the Office of University Marketing and Communications.

How is a trademark protected?

In the United States, parties are not required to register their marks to obtain protectable rights. Federal and state registration provides legal advantages to the owner when pursuing infringers. One advantage is that it provides notice to the public, which prevents anyone from claiming that they did not know the mark existed. Federal law preempts state law so any state registration performed in addition to federal is for purposes of notice only. A trademark can be federally registered if it is used in interstate commerce. The trademark is registered in the class of goods or services for which it is used. It is possible to have multiple owners for similar trademarks as long as: 1) the goods and services are not related, 2) there is no consumer confusion as to the source of the goods and services, and 3) there is no dilution of a strong mark.

Trademark infringement is the unauthorized use of a trademark (or a substantially similar mark) on or in connection with goods and/or services in a manner that is likely to cause confusion about the source of the goods and/or services. The success of a lawsuit to stop the infringement is based on whether consumer confusion is likely to result.



Find a Vendor

(For Internal Use Only)

All campus entities, including student groups, must use a licensed vendor to produce merchandise or apparel with the ETSU name, logo or other reference to ETSU. This applies whether the items are intended for internal or external use, or as determined by the Standard Administrative Procedure for Licensing and Trademark usage.

Please request a quote and proof from a licensed promotional vendor listed at https://www.etsu.edu/brand/trademark/vendorlist.php . Once you receive a quote and a proof of your item, enter it into eBucs on the "Identity" form to ensure it receives proper authorization. 

Interior building signage, nameplates, magnetic name tags, tablecloths, tents, and Commencement banners should be ordered through eBucs. Click on appropriate menu below for complete ordering information. 

  • Interior Signage

    To order building hanging signage/double door signage, please contact The Sign Factory,  gary@thesignfactory.org, (423) 282-0647.

    Interior Signage

    For  interior signs such as room signs, directories, or for restrooms, please contact Snyder Signs, charity@snydersigns.com, (423) 282-6221. Provide to them the office or department name and room number. They will provide a proof for approval and quote to attach with the order on the Identity Form in ebucs.

    Interior sign examples.

    If your office area is in need of an entire suite signage update, or if the update is complex in some other way, please complete a space utilization request form. 

    Exterior building signage should be ordered through facilities by completing a Renovation/Space Use Request Form.

  • Nameplates
    Nameplate

    Nameplate Holders for desk or wall/door

    Contact Quality Trophy & Engraving, (423) 928-3307, quality423@outlook.com for a proof and then attach the proof in ebucs on the Identity form.

     

    Size (inches)

    Type

    Unit Price
    2x8 desk $9.78
    2x10 (standard size) desk $11.08
    2x8 wall/door $6.05
    2x10 (standard size) wall/door $6.83
    2x12  wall/door $13.18
    12" custom bracket (not common) $6.78
      velcro (tape on back is standard) $1.50

    Holders are available in either a gold or silver finish. Please specify choice in notes section.

    Standard ten (10) day deliver is free. Rush/next day orders are $25.00.

    Name Plate, Mail Box Sign, Room Number Sign

    Contact Quality Trophy & Engraving, (423) 928-3307,  quality423@outlook.com for a proof and then attach the proof in ebucs on the Identity form.

    Size (inches)

    Type

    Unit Price
    1x4
    mailbox sign
    $6.00
    1x2
    engraved sign
    $4.50
    2x4
    room number sign
    $6.75
    2x5 
    room number sign
    $7.75 
    2x6 
    room number sign
    $8.80 
    2x8 
    name plate
    $12.55
    2x10 (standard size) 
    name plate
    $15.00 
    2x12
    name plate
    $17.00
    2x14
    name plate
    $19.75
    3x8
    name plate
    $17.00
    1 1/2x12
    name plate
    $17.00
    3 1/2x10
    name plate
    $19.00
    3x12
    name plate
    $19.45
    5x7
    name plate
    $19.00
    5 1/2x12
    name plate
    $26.95
    6x12
    name plate
    $26.95
    8x8
    name plate
    $24.95
    8x10
    name plate
    $32.00
    7x12
    name plate
    $29.40
    2x8 double-sided
    name plate
    $22.50
    2x10 double-sided
    name plate
    $25.00

    The standard name plate will come with tape. If the name plate is for a holder specify in the notes section that NO tape should be added.

    Standard ten (10) day delivery is free. Rush/next day orders are $25.00.

  • Magnetic Name Tags

    Magnetic Nametag

    To order magnetic name tags, please contact Quality Trophy & Engraving at (423) 928-3307, quality423@outlook.com to receive a proof to attach on the Identity form in ebucs. The cost is $11.75 each.

    For name tags or nameplates, a FREE delivery is made twice per month to campus central receiving. For rush/next day delivery the charge is $25.  

  • Tablecloths

    Tablecloth examples in blue and gold.

    To order tablecloths, please contact Don Shearin from Logo Pro, (423) 791-8880, don@logopro.org. Don will provide a proof that should be attached with the order on the Identity form in ebucs. Full pricing is listed below. The ETSU logo will be displayed on the tablecloth, with an option for the department or office name to be listed as shown in samples at the bottom of this page.

    Item #

    Description

    Quantity

    Unit Price

    109002

    6' tablecloth

    		 1

    $244.00 each

    109002

    6' tablecloth

    		 2

    $212.60 each
    109002

    6' tablecloth

    		 6

    $200.40 each
    109002

    6' tablecloth

    		 12

    $183.30 each

    109014

    		 8' tablecloth (most common size) 1

    $268.50 each

    109014

    		 8' tablecloth (most common size) 2

    $233.50 each

    109014

    		 8' tablecloth (most common size) 6

    $220.25 each

    109014

    		 8' tablecloth (most common size) 12

    $201.50 each

    Screen Set-Up Charge (if new) - $25.00 each

     Shipping Costs

    Quantity Unit Price
    1 $18.88
    2 $20.88
    3 $22.88
    4 $24.88
    5 $26.88
    6 $28.88
    7 $30.88
    8 $32.88
    9 $34.88
    10 $36.88
    11 $38.88
    12 $40.88

    Shipping and handling is determined by quantity ordered.

    LogoPro
    Don Shearin II
    (423) 791-8880
    1225 Ridgeway Road
    Johnson City, TN 37601
    don@logopro.org
    logopro.org
    logopro.mypromohq.com


  • Tents

    To order tents, please contact Ken Buchholz, E-Z UP, Inc., KenBuchholz@ezup.com, (800) 457-4233 x3104. He will provide a proof to attach with the order in ebucs. Pricing is listed next to the  variety of tent sizes available.

    • SIZE 10' x 10'  -- $765.00 each, plus $49.64 via ground shipping. Can display university or college name as shown.  

    University Example:

    Tent

    		 Tent - 10X10
    College Name Example:  
    A 10x10 tent example showing the college name. A 10X10 tent example showing the college name from above.
    • SIZE 10' x 20' -- $1,595.00 each, plus $85.23 via ground shipping. Can display university or college name.
    • A 10X20 tent example showing the college name from above.Showing a side view of a 10x20 tent.SIZE 16' x 16' (HUB style) $1,495.00, plus $85.23 via ground shipping. Can display university or college name. 
    A side view of a tent "Hub" 16X16. Top view of a tent Hub.

     

  • Commencement Banners (Gonfalons)

    To order a Commencement banner (also referred to as a gonfalon), please contact Neal Zucker at Southern Tailors Fabric Imaging: nzucker@southerntailors.com, southerntailors.com, (404) 367-8660. For design reference, see examples below.

    College of Arts and Sciences Gonfalon College of Public Health Gonfalon College of Nursing Gonfalon



Students, Faculty, Staff

The Office of University Marketing and Communications regulates the commercial use and internal use of the universitys name and all identifying marks, both on and off campus, to ensure the protection of ETSU's excellent reputation and maintain high standards of use. Campus departments, student organizations and external groups frequently purchase merchandise that use university symbols, logos, and marks. These items range from lapel pins, backpacks, and mugs, to types of clothing and even high-end merchandise for special occasions. Since each of these is an extension of the universitys image, and just as there are standards for print material, there are standards for items available for retail sale or for use by organizations.

Only campus departments and student organizations that are officially recognized by or are part of the university are allowed to use ETSU logos, symbols and trademarks in conjunction with their name, and in doing so, must have approval prior to use. For approval, please email masonb@etsu.edu. 

All campus entities, including student groups, must use a licensed vendor to produce any merchandise with the ETSU name and/or logo. This applies whether the items are intended for the department/organization's own use (e.g., team shirts), or for promotional pieces.

All licensed vendors have gone through an approval process ensuring:

  • High quality
  • Correctly branded
  • Artwork approval
  • Product liability insurance
  • Ethical production (items not made in sweatshops)

Licensed vendors are held to the highest standards. In the rare instance that an order with a licensed vendor has been misprinted, is poor quality, etc., the order can be made right or the licensee may risk consequences such as losing its license.

Ordering of Items

  • Campus entities can buy items for promotional giveaways, however giveaways cannot be resold.
  • Campus entities cannot buy tangible items e.g., t-shirts, mugs, sweatshirts, etc. for resale. ETSU does not hold a resale certificate.
  • The University mission of instruction, research and public service qualifies ETSU for tax exemption status. The university is not set up as a for-profit organization. 
  • Products, including apparel, may be purchased with foundation funds for students, faculty, and staff with limits by the IRS of a $50 value per person, per year.
  • State funds cannot be used to purchase apparel for state employees unless the apparel is required in order to perform the duties of the position and would not be worn outside of the employee performing their respective duties, such as in law enforcement.

For additional information, please email masonb@etsu.edu or contact Barbara Mason at 423-439-4766. 

Policy and Guidelines

The Standard Administrative Procedure Licensing and Trademark usage policy provides guidelines for maintaining, managing, licensing and protecting university trademarks. The university has delegated the responsibility for this function to the Director of Trademark Licensing within the Office of University Marketing and Communications. Please contact Barbara Mason, Director of Trademark Licensing, if you have any question regarding university licensing and trademarks.



Retail Locations

 


 

Unauthorized Use

A trademark infringement is unauthorized use or similar use of a trademark so as to cause the likelihood of confusion in the minds of the consumers as to the source.

All licensed vendors are required to identify their product with the Officially Licensed Collegiate Products label. With this label, alumni, students, fans and supporters know they are buying a product of quality and authenticity that has been manufactured in accordance with university set standards. At ETSU, net revenues generated through the sale of licensed merchandise support the university's general fund. The universitys Trademarks are therefore among the university's most valuable assets.

The university is prepared to enforce trademark infringements in order to protect its supporters and to protect the universitys assets against the possibility of dilution of its trademarks and their value.

If you believe that you have seen products or services that appear to not be licensed by ETSU, please email masonb@etsu.edu.

Signs of unlicensed merchandise can include:

  • No Officially Licensed Collegiate Products label shown on the product.
  • Product appears to be very poor quality.
  • ETSU images and logos are distorted or manipulated, sometimes in a distasteful manner.



Have more questions?

Feel free to contact us.


 

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