The Michigan State University brand is a reflection of our school’s culture, history and community. Our various trademarks represent the soul of the institution and protect our integrity, so that our brand cannot be confused with another and our distinctive reputation stays intact. Given the importance of these symbols, Michigan State University trademarks must be protected and used appropriately.
Michigan State University holds itself to the highest standard of academics, athletics, and research, and our brand reflects this accordingly. In alignment with these standards, we ensure that all our licensed products are produced under ethical and safe conditions. The revenue generated from this merchandise is then circulated back into our university, supporting the overall advancement of our institution.
Presenting a controlled and consistent brand across all platforms fosters a strong image for the university and protects its legacy for years to come. As our brand value continues to grow, the university community must work together to adhere to the established trademarks and branding guidelines.
What Does Promoting and Protecting Our Brand Mean?
Promoting means showcasing our identity in intentional ways to build pride, recognition, and growth for the university.
Protecting goes hand in hand with this, as it is equally as important to fight against counterfeit products and infringers who threaten the integrity of our brand reputation.
Every supplier and piece of merchandise is properly approved to certify that only accurate representations of our brand are distributed. These diligent systems allow our Spartan family to enjoy authentic products for years to come.
How to ID Officially Licensed Gear
Trademark infringement is the unauthorized or similar use of a trademark that creates a likelihood of confusion in consumers’ minds as to the source. All licensed vendors are required to identify their product with the “Officially Licensed Collegiate Product” label.
With this label, alumni, students, fans, and supporters know they are buying a product of quality and authenticity that has been manufactured in accordance with university standards. The university is prepared to enforce trademark infringements in order to protect its supporters and the university’s assets against the possibility of dilution of its trademarks and their value.
Report Infringement
All items that include logos and other trademarked branding of the university must be ordered using an approved licensed vendor. Licensed vendors have access to university logos, understand the university’s guidelines for logo usage, and can provide guidance on the appropriate layout for orders.
The MSU Merchandise Authenticity Checklist
Use the checklist below to ensure your products and purchases are authentic.
| Step | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Official Licensing Label | Look for hangtag, sticker, or hologram that says: "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" from CLC or similiar. |
| Correct Logo and Colors | Compare the logo, mascot, and colors of our official branding online. No blurry prints, typos, or off-colors. Look for ™ and ® on our brand guidelines on color. |
| Authorized Seller | Buy from an on-campus store, our MSU-owned online shop, or an approved retailer. On Amazon and eBay, check seller credentials. |
| Quality of Materials | Licensed products are well-made, with sturdy stitching, crisp printing, and professional packaging. |
| Price Matches Market | If the price is much lower than at official stores, consider this a red flag. |
| Warranty / Return Policy | Licensed vendors usually provide a clear return policy and receipt. |
| Verify with the School | Still unsure? Contact the licensing office with the seller or product details for confirmation: licensing@msu.edu. |
