The Purdue Trademark Licensing program was created to protect the University's indicia, promote the University, and to generate funds that are used for both general academic and athletic scholarships.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, design, color, product configuration, group of letters, or a combination of words, phrases, symbols, or designs adopted and used by a company that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services of one party from that of others.
What is a trademark license?
A trademark license is a written legal agreement between the owner of the trademark (licensor) and a manufacturer/vendor (licensee). The license grants permission to the licensee to affix the licensor's trademark(s) on a product(s). This license must be in place before use of the marks.
What are the benefits of a licensing program?
A licensing program exists to protect the name and marks of the University and to enhance the image of the University through the signing of licensing agreements authorizing the use of the marks on high quality and tasteful merchandise. It is also the responsibility of the office to ensure that the University receives the appropriate commercial value for the use of its trademarks.
Who must be licensed?
Anyone or any business/organization wishing to use the University's trademarks or verbiage of any product must have a license before offering the product/goods for sale. This also includes sale to University departments, campus organizations, and student recognized organizations. Premiums, promotions, and advertising are included as well.
What if my item is a publication or brochure that I wish to use the University's trademarks on?
The trademarks of the University may not be used on publications, brochures, advertising or miscellaneous print material without permission from the University. Please contact Purdue Trademark Licensing directly for more information.
How do I obtain a license?
The University partners with the Collegiate Licensing Company to represent its licensing program. Please contact them directly at:
The Collegiate Licensing Company
290 Interstate North, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 956-0520
Fax: (770) 955-4491
Also, feel free to e-mail Purdue Trademark Licensing at (insert e-mail link here) if you have any further questions about the process.
Is there a fee to become licensed?
Yes. There is a $50 application fee, plus an advance fee and a royalty rate based upon the total gross invoice amounts billed ("Net Sales"). The royalty rate is variable, depending on the item.
What kinds of products can't be licensed?
Weapons/firearms, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, sexually oriented products or designs, legally controlled substances, religious affiliated products or designs, patches, heat transfer, or appliqués are not appropriate items for licensing. Other products will be considered; however, the University has the right to decline any item.
Are student organizations or campus departments required to obtain permission to use the University names/marks/logos on items used as giveaways, fundraisers, or for internal use (shirts for staff, plaques, etc.)?
Yes, in order for the University to maintain and protect its value, permission must be obtained from Purdue Trademark Licensing and a licensed vendor must be used.
May public or private schools use any of the University's marks as their mascot on uniforms, buildings, stadiums, or for booster club fundraisers?
We are always complimented when a school wishes to use one of our marks as their mascot, but our policy does not allow our marks to be used by any other business or educational institution, including public or private schools. In setting this policy, many factors were taken into consideration, including product liability, control of how the marks are used and who manufactures the product, and the policies of our peer institutions throughout the United States . For more information on this subject, please contact us directly.
Are any sales exempt from royalties?
Contact Purdue Trademark Licensing for details.
How do I determine if the product is subject to royalty fees?
Contact Purdue Trademark Licensing at trademarklicensing@purdue.edu
Who needs to use an official licensee?
If your order will include a University mark in the design, it must be purchased by an official licensee. If you wish to use a manufacturer/vendor that is not on the list, please contact Purdue Trademark Licensing for assistance before placing any orders.
May a business, corporation, or outside entity use the name or marks of the University in its name or as interior design?
The University's policy does not allow its marks to be used for commercial or promotional advertising purposes without prior approval; this approval is granted based upon each situation. The University's name and/or marks may also not be used in any way that could state or imply an endorsement. The marks/names/logos may not be used as part of a business name or within the interior design of a business and its building and/or location without prior approval. Approval is not always granted for any of the above uses. For more information on this subject, please contact Purdue Trademark Licensing directly.
If you did not find your answer in our FAQ, please contact Purdue Trademark Licensing with your specific question.
