Over the years, the University of Vermont has built a distinguished reputation for educational excellence. The University Licensing Program is designed to protect the University's name and image, as represented by its marks and symbols, from unauthorized or inappropriate use. The University's name and trademarks are valuable University property and may be used only with the University's permission. Alumni loyalty to the University, the respect the University is accorded by the public and the enthusiasm generated around its athletic program creates a demand for official University products among students, alumni and University supporters who want to show their allegiance and pride in the institution. The University of Vermont seeks to foster this loyalty, respect and enthusiasm by ensuring that all products bearing its name or other marks are of the highest quality.
Licensing is an agreement wherein the owner of a trademark gives another party the right to use that mark in exchange for payment of a royalty.
The licensing program regulates, promotes, and protects the commercial use of the University's name and identifying marks. This includes granting approval for use of our marks. A major emphasis of the University's licensing program is to ensure that all products using the University's name, marks, and symbols are of good taste and quality. The Licensing Program works with manufacturers who wish to make products that utilize its trademarks and symbols, with retailers who wish to sell UVM licensed products, and with University departments, programs and student groups who want to use the University's trademarks on products.
In 1985, the University registered four of its marks: the official University seal, "The University of Vermont," "UVM," and the "CATAMOUNTS" word mark. Additional designs, including the "Tower Logo" and the "V-Cat Logo" have been registered. The University claims as its trademarks any design, symbol, logo, art, word or words associated with or directly referring to the University.
Institutions of higher education became involved in the registration and licensing of their marks in the early 1970's. The two primary reasons for implementing a licensing program are:
1) to protect the University's name and image as represented by its marks and symbols from unauthorized or inappropriate use;
2) to generate revenue through royalty payments.
By ensuring that products bearing the University's marks are of high quality and good taste, we further promote UVM's reputation for educational excellence. Proper use of the University's name also stimulates public awareness and support. By seeking help from the Licensing Program, campus organizations are assured of locating quality products from approved manufacturers. Only those companies that meet the standards of the University are licensed to manufacture our merchandise. Secondly, the sale of licensed goods helps benefit University through generation of royalty payments.
After expenses of operating the licensing program, income generated from royalties paid by licensees is used to support student scholarships at the University.
To become a licensee of The University of Vermont, an organization or individual first obtains a licensing application packet from the Licensing Program. An application form, product samples, and certificate of insurance must be submitted to the Licensing Office for review and approval before a license agreement is issued. Licenses are non-exclusive and are issued for specific products that meet University criteria.
The University of Vermont intends to protect its name, marks, and symbols from unauthorized or inappropriate use. When an individual and/or organization is identified as producing or distributing products that infringe our trademarks, the Licensing Program contacts them to attempt to stop the infringement, to establish a license, and to notify them of potential legal action should they fail to cooperate.
When a University department, program, or student group needs to order products such as clothing, uniforms, furniture or other items (excluding letterhead, envelopes and other departmental publications) using the University's name, marks, logos, seal or symbols for your department, program or student group, you should complete a Royalty Waiver form, have it signed and send it along with a copy of the design to the Licensing Program Coordinator. This should be completed before an order is placed.
If an item utilizing a University mark is produced solely for members of a University department, program, or officially recognized student group, the royalty can be waived. However, a Royalty Waiver form stating the purpose, cost and quantity of the item must be filed with the Licensing Program and prior approval of both the item and any design or artwork must be obtained in order to obtain the waiver. The group is required to purchase the item from a licensed manufacturer.
The Licensing Program maintains a list of manufacturers licensed by the University to produce University of Vermont merchandise. Organizations who need help locating licensed manufacturers of particular products should contact the Licensing Program. When shopping for licensed products in retail stores, look for the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" label.
University of Vermont Licensing Program
225 Patrick Gym
Burlington, VT 05405-0016
Phone: (802) 656-7728
Fax: (802) 656-0949
Last modified October 17 2008 01:07 PM
