Jackson State University
Licensing Program
TRADEMARKS-FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Have A Licensing Program?
A trademark licensing program gives the University control over its logos and marks, thus, ensuring the quality and consistency of all of the University's merchandise. It also enables the University to generate revenue from the sale of merchandise bearing its logos and marks. The revenue is used to support and enhance many programs campus wide. Outside of the University, the trademark licensing program creates a cooperative and positive working relationship with the manufacturers and retailers who work with the University.
IMG College Licensing
Q. What is a Trademark?
A. A trademark is any word, symbol, design, or a combination of these, which identifies and distinguishes the goods and/or services of one party from those of another.
Q. What is the difference between a TM and a ®?
A. Anyone who claims rights to a mark may use the TM(trademark) designation, with the mark to alert the public to their claim of ownership. It is not necessary to have a registration, or even a pending application, to use this designation. The Registration symbol, ®, may only be used when the mark is registered with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (PTO). One may not use this symbol before it is registered with PTO.
Q. Is the name Jackson State University® registered?
A. Yes. In 1999, the Office of the Vice President for Business and Finance took steps in registering the following names and wordmarks. The name, mascot, seal, and other logos and graphics associated with Jackson State University® are protected trademarks. Please note that any officially adopted words, images or graphics and/or a combination of words and images representing the University are registered.
For example:
Jackson State University® University Seal®
Jackson State University® “1877” Jackson State®
Jackson State® Tigers JSU (leaping tiger to the right) ®
Q. May I use the University seal?
A. The seal may only be used on official University documents, such as diplomas, transcripts, major report covers, certificates, contracts, formal invitations and engraved notecards. It may never be used as a substitute for the Jackson State University logo. Permission to use the seal must be granted by the Office of Contractual Services. Once permission has been granted, proper reproduction files or materials will be made available. Do not scan the seal from old documents. It often results in poor quality reproduction.
Q. What is a Trademark Licensing Agreement?
A. A Trademark Licensing Agreement evidences permission to use the University name or trademarks for commercial purposes granted by a nonexclusive license in return for royalties.
What Products Can Be Licensed?
Students, alumni and fans generate many great ideas for new University products. Products will be considered and must be approved by the University's Licensing Director. No products will be licensed without the approval of the Licensing Director. This ensures all products associated with the University are of high quality and good taste and, ensures the non-approval of potentially hazardous items.
Who Needs A License?
Anyone wishing to use the marks, logos and symbols of the University must obtain a license.
What If You Do Not Get A License?
All products must be approved by the University's Trademark Licensing office. Failure to obtain a license or approval from the University's Trademark Licensing Office would be grounds for the seizure of all non-approved merchandise bearing the University's marks. It also could result in jail time and numerous fines if convicted.
Can An Alumni Or Student Group Sell Products Using The University's Marks As A Fundraiser?
Before contacting local manufacturers regarding new products, designs, or an idea for a fundraiser, be sure to check with the University's Trademark Licensing Office. They will be able to identify local manufacturers to produce the items, saving everyone time and effort.
What About Using The University's Name Or Logo On A Web Site?
Every use of the University's trademarks requires permission from the Trademark Licensing Office. The World Wide Web has made it easy for alumni, fans and supporters to build web pages with the University's name and logos, and the University appreciates this support. However, federal trademark laws require that the University control it's name and marks; therefore, the University must be very selective in granting permission in these and all instances. For more information, contact the University's Trademark Licensing Office.
Q. Who can participate in the Trademark Licensing Program?
A. All retailers and manufacturers of products bearing the trademarks of JSU® for profit must enter
into a nonexclusive Trademark License Agreement with the University.
Q. What kind of merchandise requires a trademark agreement?
A. All products that are imprinted with a Jackson State University® trademark require
licensing. These trademarks include the name of the University, the University seal, the athletic
logo and any wordmarks associated with
Jackson State University®
“Home of the Tigers”.
Q. Are licensed vendors allowed to sell licensed merchandise on Jackson State University® campus?
A. No. Licensed vendors are not allowed to sell licensed merchandise on Jackson State University®
main campus or on any JSU® off-campus sites. Follett Bookstore has exclusive rights to sell
licensed merchandise through our JSU® Bookstore and on campus, with the exception of
Homecoming week.
Q. Are licensed vendors allowed to sell licensed merchandise at any Jackson State University® controlled event?
A. Yes. Licensed vendors are allowed to sell licensed merchandise at Jackson State University® controlled events, with the exception on the main campus or on any JSU® off-campus sites.
Licensed vendors are encouraged to sell licensed merchandise during football season and event(s) controlled by the University or other JSU® events held at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium or other off-campus sites.
Q. Can licensed vendors sell in the City of Jackson and the area(s) surrounding the University?
A. Yes, licensed vendors can sell licensed product(s) in the City of Jackson. However, vendors must contact the City of Jackson, City Clerk’s Office to obtain a permit.
Q. What is an infringement?
A. Infringement is simple. It is the unauthorized use of any registered marks.
Q. Are there penalties for infringement?
A. Yes, there are penalties that are set forth by the University and are usually administered through the Office of the General Counsel.
Q. What actions are taken toward infringers?
A. Office of Contractual Services will:
1. Issue a written warning on-site to the unauthorized user
2. Complete and file an Infringement Report Form
3. Notify infringer, where possible, of their unauthorized usage of the registered mark (identify product) and provide information on the University Licensing Program and offer the opportunity to become an approved licensee.
1. Notify manufacturers, where possible, of any unauthorized use of the University name and trademarks. This office will explain what constitutes trademark infringement and provide the manufacturer with information on the University Licensing Program,
after all royalties based on the sale of the merchandise are paid to the University.
2. If infringer desire not to take advantage of the offer by the University, a follow-up Cease and Desist Form will be sent by certified mail and copied to the Office of General Counsel.
3. Office of General Counsel will review and pursue legal actions, if necessary.
Q. How does one become an approved licensee of the University?
A. The University Licensing Program was outsourced effective July 1, 2007 to CLC Learfield Licensing | IMG College Partners formerly Strategic Marketing Affiliates (SMA). CLC will serve as the University exclusive licensing administrator to appoint licensees to use the indicia on merchandise sold through retail and wholesale channels, in exchange for royalties.
Can You Obtain A License Application?
Anyone who wishes to obtain a license to produce merchandise must submit a license application. This application informs the University of how its marks will be used, what type of product the applicant makes, how the University is going to be represented, etc. Applications can be obtained by contacting:
IMG College Licensing
290 Interstate North
Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
Phone: (770) 956-0520
Fax: (770) 955-4491
What Is The Collegiate Licensing Company?
The Collegiate Licensing Company is the licensing representative for the University. As the University's representative, CLC is responsible for administering the licensing program, including processing applications, collecting royalties, enforcing trademarks and pursuing new market opportunities for the University.
Who Is Licensed With The University?
Either the University's Trademark Licensing office or CLC can provide a list of current licensees for the University's merchandise. It is typically much easier to work with an established University licensee than to try and license a new product or idea. Both the University and CLC can provide you with information on the products produced by all licensees so you can match your needs with the right company.
The "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label signifies merchandise has passed the standards of quality set forth by the University and a portion of the purchase is returned to the University.
Visit CLC | Learfield IMG College
