Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding MSU Trademarks and Licensing. For additional questions, please contact us by email, licensing@msu.edu.
The university is well-known for and takes great pride in its core colors: Spartan Green (PMS 567) and white. More information about brand colors and use with marks is available on the MSU Brand Studio website.
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, those marks can acquire a "secondary meaning," such as quality indicators.
Trademarks help consumers answer another question: "Is this product or service a good one to purchase?" It is obvious to most people that MSU does not make all or most of the manufactured products that carry the university's 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 they associate with the university.
Trademarks are critical to the integrity of our brand. For instance, when an unlicensed vendor uses our logo on cheaply made merchandise or on products produced in environments that do not adhere to MSU’s codes of conduct, our brand value shifts accordingly. Trademarks appreciate over time, making it easier for the university to differentiate itself from competitors, attract and retain talent, and expand services.
MSU trademarks include any mark, name, logo, symbol, nickname, abbreviation, word, phrase, color, mascot, slogan, insignia, uniform or landmark that is associated with Michigan State University and is distinguished from any other university, team or organization. A complete list of MSU trademarks can be found at the MSU Trademarks page on this site
A licensing program exists to protect the name and marks of the university and to enhance the MSU brand through the signing of licensing agreements authorizing the use of the marks on high-quality and tasteful merchandise. It also ensures that the university receives the appropriate commercial value for the use of its trademarks.
Any person, organization or business that wishes to use Michigan State's name, logos, marks, indicia or verbiage on any product, video, advertisements, or for any other commercial purpose must have a license prior to production and distribution. This includes businesses that sell to university departments, campus organizations and student organizations that use the product for fundraising and charity. Manufacturers of products bearing MSU marks are required to pay a royalty on the wholesale price of the product. For multiple forms of licenses available with Michigan State University, see Become a Licensed Vendor.
The licensing process can vary in length due to several factors outlined on CLC's Licensing Info page. The typical timeline is 4-6 weeks. Because the Restricted Licensee application process is streamlined, it is generally much faster. The Standard and Local application processes take varying amounts of time to complete based on the number of institutions being sought. Generally, the fewer institutions requested, the more expeditious the application process. In the spirit of fairness, we cannot accommodate “rush” requests as all requests are treated equally and on a first-come, first-served basis.
The university partners with the Collegiate Licensing Company to represent its licensing program. You can apply for a license within this website by visiting Become a Licensed Vendor.
The university's licensing agent, the Collegiate Licensing Company, has extensive information at clc.com detailing the expectations and parameters around collegiate licensing. Additional questions can be directed via email to applications@clc.com.
Other than in the case of a university-related product, MSU Trademarks and Licensing will not approve the use of its trademarks on the following products:
Yes. Whether or not items are for resale, all items bearing the university marks must be produced by an approved, licensed vendor.
Yes. For the university to maintain and protect its value, permission must be obtained from University Trademarks and Licensing, and an approved, licensed vendor must be used.
Student organizations/club sports, university departments, affiliated alumni groups, and intercollegiate athletics must submit artwork for approval, along with their licensed vendor information. Requests can be made through the Campus Authorization Form.
Licensees will submit artwork through CLC's Brand Manager 360 portal.
The university is committed to protecting and preserving its trademark rights. Any commercial use of university marks without a trademark license is addressed promptly, by legal action if necessary.
MSU takes trademark protection seriously, since counterfeit products can harm the university’s reputation and mislead buyers. If you see products that appear to misuse or copy the MSU logos without authorization, you can report them anonymously by filling out the Report Infringement form. Your submission will be reviewed by the University’s Trademark and Licensing Office, and appropriate action will be taken to investigate and, if necessary, remove the infringing products.
Michigan State University adheres to the Fair Labor Association and Workers Rights Consortium codes of conduct. Please review MSU’s commitment to Social Responsibility for more details.
Look for the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" label or hologram. Retail licensees are required to include the CLC graphic, hangtag or holographic sticker with each licensed product. This serves as a notice to consumers that the merchandise is approved for sale by the university.
Students! Royalties generated from the commercial use of MSU's marks support student scholarships and programming for MSU students, minus the actual administrative expenses of running the trademark licensing program.
The administrative expenses include maintaining the legal requirements of trademark registration, addressing product infringement, supporting the Fair Labor Association and Workers Rights Consortium and operating University Trademarks and Licensing.
The Community Connect Program allows for independent artisans to participate in MSU's licensing program by legally producing products adorned with Michigan State trademarks and names. This license is ideal for fans and alumni who are interested in producing small quantities of merchandise for craft fairs and online marketplaces instead of retail stores. For more information on this program, see Community Connect Program.
Yes, permission to have a cake decorated is easy. Simply see our Consumable Product page to learn more and complete the Consumable Request Form. University Trademarks and Licensing will email you an authorization letter to take to your selected bakery.