Below you will find the most common Frequently Asked Questions involving Licensing. If you don't find the answer to your question, you should feel free to contact the Licensing and Trademarks office at iulogo@iu.edu.
IU Licensing FAQ
Licensing
A trademark license is an agreement issued by the Office of Licensing and Trademarks that grants individuals, organizations, or corporations authorization to produce commercial goods or services bearing University trademarks.
Anyone wishing to produce commercial goods or services bearing University trademarks must obtain a license to do so.
- References: The University will verify the applicant's status as a business, check a minimum of three business references (four are required in the preliminary application), and require a letter of verification from the applicant's financial institution.
- Samples: Physical samples must be submitted for the products a vendor wishes to add to their agreement rights. Crimson is the only shade of red approved for product.
- Non-refundable application fee (if approved).
- Insurance (if approved): All licensees are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in General Liability insurance that names the Trustees of Indiana University as additional insured. Certain types of products will require $3,000,000 in General Liability insurance.
- Code of Conduct (if approved): The University requires that all licensees agree to and maintain a strict Code of Conduct.
- Factory Disclosures (if approved): Licensees disclose the factories where the licensed merchandise is produced.
- Artwork submissions for review and approval prior to production (if approved).
- CLPA labels (if approved): Licensees are required to purchase CLPA labels and adhere them to licensed merchandise. It is the customer’s assurance that they are purchasing officially licensed merchandise that supports the University.
- Royalty Reporting (if approved): Licensees are required to remit a quarterly royalty report detailing net sales, as well as any applicable payment
The application review committee will review new preliminary applications every other Tuesday. Decisions will be communicated through BrandComply. If approved, the vendor will complete a series of stages to build a contract for execution.
Licensees of Indiana University are authorized to produce products bearing University trademarks. Licensees may also advertise themselves as an "Officially Licensed Vendor of Indiana University". Royalties collected support University student scholarships.
Products
Licensees may only produce the products identified in their Agreement. The Licensing and Trademarks Office manages what products a licensee is allowed to produce.
- Tobacco products
- Illegal drug products
- Inherently dangerous products, including weapons, firearms, or explosives
- Sexually suggestive products
- Products that contain racist, sexist, hateful, demeaning, or degrading language or images
- Products that use profanity
- Gambling-related products
- Products that contain statements impugning other universities
- Products that present an unacceptable risk of liability
- Products that are harmful to the mission or integrity of the institution
- Products that contain another entity's registered trademark, unless explicit
The IU Seal is reserved for Trustee, Presidential, ceremonial, or commemorative use. It is not designed for use on commercial or promotional products. Questions regarding the use of the IU Seal and other marks and logos can be directed to iulogo@iu.edu.
The use of a ™ or ® depends upon the product on which the trademark will be used. Please contact the Office of Licensing and Trademarks for up-to-date instructions on the proper use of legal notices.
Miscellaneous
The Office of the Vice President & General Counsel (VPGC) focuses on the registration and maintenance of the University's trademarks. There are several factors to consider before applying for a new registration. Please review the information on the VPGC's trademarks webpage to start the process.
Yes. All items bearing University marks must be produced by a licensed vendor, regardless of the purpose. This includes artwork containing "Indiana," "Indiana University," and "Hoosiers" (among others) in plain text.
Contact iulogo@iu.edu with as much information as possible, including photos or links of the product and hangtags, social media handles, etc. Our office will address accordingly.