Become a Licensed Vendor

License Review Process

CLC Review

After the required paperwork is submitted to CLC, the potential licensee and company information is sent to the University for review and approval. The licensing application review process can take 4 to 6 weeks for total processing time.

University Review

The university will require representative product sample(s) sent to the MSU Trademarks and Licensing office before final application review. This allows us to review the product quality and craftsmanship of logo embellishments.

Decision Notification

Approval or disapproval of the license application by the university will be sent to CLC, who will notify the potential licensee of the decision. 

• If approved, the licensee will need to comply with all the agreement requirements, payment policies, and branding guidelines to activate the license. 

• If disapproved, the licensee may re-apply in a year for reconsideration of the licensing application. A new application must be submitted to re-apply. 

For in-depth explanations regarding the requirements of the CLC licensing process, please visit their website. If you would like more information on the licensing process prior to starting the application, please contact licensing@clc.com.

Quick Reference Guide

For more information on definitions, parameters, application fees and license costs, download the guide.

Costs associated with a standard trademark license include: 

• The initial application fee outlined here. Please note initial fees are subject to change at the discretion of MSU and CLC.

• Advance: An annual advance payment against royalties for the following:

• $1,000 apparel, $500 non-apparel items. 

Royalties: the standard royalty rate ranges from 15% to 22%, based on the type of license, product category, and distribution channel. 

• The insurance premium for a $1,000,000 product liability insurance policy. Please contact your agent for a cost quotation. 

• Your membership fee to the Fair Labor Association (FLA). Please contact the FLA for more information. 

• Purchase of "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" hangtags and hologram stickers.

• For more information on costs, visit CLC's website. 

Codes of Conduct

As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that all Michigan State University licensed products are made in socially compliant factories and that all workers are treated fairly, Michigan State University is a member of both the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). Our minimum, and non-negotiable requirement, is that all Michigan State standard licensees seek and receive membership with the FLA and adhere to its code of conduct. For more information, see MSU’s Social Responsibility page.