Frequently Asked Questions

  • What information should I know about MSU?
    • Location: East Lansing, Michigan
    • Conference: Big Ten
    • Key Rival: University of Michigan
    • Key Sports: Football, Basketball
    • Mascot: Spartans
    • Founded 1855
    • Enrollment: 50,000+
    • Alumni: 541,000+
    • Websites: msu.edu, msuspartans.com
    • Licensing Agency: The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC)
  • What are some recent athletic successes?

    Football

    • Top 20 in NCAA FBS Division I attendance last five years
    • Five Rose Bowl appearances - 1954, 1956, 1966, 1988, 2014 (4-1 record)
    • National Champions - 1951, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1965, 1966
    • 2015 Cotton Bowl Champions
    • 2015 College Football Playoffs

     

    Men's Basketball

    • Top 20 in NCAA Division I attendance last five years
    • Ten Final Four appearances - 1957, 1979, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019
    • National Champions - 1979, 2000
    • 2018 Big Ten Champions

     

    2014 - Women's Cross Country National Champions

  • How do I access Michigan State graphics?
    Active licensees in good standing are able to access MSU graphics through CLC.
  • How does MSU handle artwork submissions and reviews?
    All licensee product designs must be submitted for review and approval prior to production, marketing or sales activities can begin. All product designs must be submitted via CLC's Brand Manager 360 online portal. It is essential that licensees follow this procedure to ensure MSU trademarks are being used properly. During the week, we will respond to artwork approvals within 24 hours.
  • Can I have access to MSU images for my product?
    This depends on many factors. Please contact MSU Photography Services for more information at photos@cabs.msu.edu or call 517-355-7505. Please see Using Images for more information on how to use images on your product.
  • How do I add a product(s) to my current license?
    If a licensee wishes to add product categories to an existing license agreement, licensees must make the request through CLC, along with an explanation of anticipated distribution channels. A sample of the proposed new product may be required before a decision is made to add product(s) to your license. Once the licensing office, along with CLC have decided if your new product(s) are approved for a new product category, you will receive an addendum to your trademark license agreement. Should your new product be added to your license, a post-production sample will be required.
  • Can I sell my product at the Spartan Bookstore?
    While the Spartan Bookstore only sells licensed product, it is not obligated to sell the product of all Michigan State licensees. It is up to the licensee to market, sell and distribute its product within the distribution channels permitted within its license.
  • When are royalties due?
    CLC licensees are required to report on a monthly or quarterly basis. Reports are due 20 days after the end of the reporting period. Please review your CLC Retail License Agreement to determine your reporting requirements. Royalties are due on sales when the product is shipped or the customer is invoiced, whichever comes first.
  • What do royalties support at MSU?
    Students! Royalties generated from the commercial use of MSU's marks support student scholarships and programming for MSU students as well as athletic scholarships for student-athletes, less 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 maintaining the Trademarks and Licensing Office.
  • What are MSU's social responsibility requirements for licensees?
    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, MSU 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 in the FLA and adhere to its code of conduct. For more detailed information, please review the Social Responsibility page.

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