Program Description

TRADEMARK PROTECTION
MSU's trademarks have been registered with the U.S. Office of Patents and Trademarks and the Michigan Secretary of State. These marks are the exclusive property of MSU Board of Trustees, which reserves ownership of any trademark, service mark, mark, logo, insignia, seal design, slogan, or other symbol or device associated with or referring to the university. All commercial use of these symbols, whether retail or promotional, is restricted to official licensees or through the expressed written authorization from University Licensing Programs.

ROYALTY PAYMENTS
Ten percent (10.0%) of net sales is paid quarterly to Michigan State University. The amount of royalties due is computed by applying this percentage to the sales price (the invoice price to whomever the licensee sells) of all licensed products sold. Royalty reporting forms are provided to the licensee. An advance fee is required as a deposit on future royalty payments. Delinquent royalty reports may result in termination of the license.

SCHOLARSHIPS
After expenses, royalties are distributed to the Academic Performance Scholarship Fund, the Athletic Grant-in-Aid Fund, University Auxiliary Services, and the MSU Alumni Association.

NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS
The agreement grants to licensee the non-exclusive right to use the University's marks on licensed articles.

EXEMPTIONS
There are no exemptions for any retail outlet, including the Michigan State University Bookstore.

ENFORCEMENT
University Licensing Programs actively enforces the ownership of its marks, names, and symbols—not only to protect its property, but to protect licensees from unfair competition. Retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and sales representatives are equally responsible for the purchase and resale of licensed goods.

RETAILER MARKETING ASSISTANCE
Retail stores work cooperatively with Michigan State University and require all collegiate merchandise to be licensed. Periodically, a list of current licensees and cancelled licensees is distributed to area retailers. Licensees can obtain, upon request, a list of major retailers in the local community. MSU is eager to work with licensees to provide recommendations of retail outlets for officially licensed products, though it cannot ensure that vendors will elect to purchase and sell licensees' merchandise.

PRODUCT DESIGN APPROVAL
MSU maintains high standards in accepting products and artwork to be licensed. The prospective licensee is required to furnish for approval, free of cost, one sample of each item to be licensed. Artwork of the University's trademark is available on-line at www.graphics.msu.edu. Authorized parties will be issued a user name and PIN number to access the files.

PRODUCT LABELING
MSU licensees are required to use product identification labels on all merchandise bearing MSU trademarks. As a member of the Independent Labeling Group, MSU uses a common "Collegiate Licensed Product" label. The labeling requirement is intended to assist MSU in its enforcement efforts and to enhance the marketability of licensed products by appealing to consumers' preference for official collegiate goods.

PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE
The licensee must maintain general liability insurance including product liability with limits no less than $1 million per occurrence/$1 million aggregate as described in its contract and supply the University with a certificate of this insurance. The amount of required coverage is subject to changed based upon the nature of the product.  


MSU Trademark Support Services
Please contact the University Licensing Programs for immediate assistance or referral on any of the following:

Artwork
Contract Administration
Infringement Resolution
Trademark License Applications
Official Licensed Manufacturers
Quality Control Issues
Retailers of MSU Products
Special Events and Promotional Opportunities
Trademark Use Policies and Guidelines