Brand Strategy, Trademarks, and Licensing
Over the years, symbols, icons, traditions, and trademarks have come to represent the passion of Miami University alumni, fans, students, faculty, and staff. In the late 1990s, University Brand Strategy and Licensing was established to ensure that these marks and images are used properly. Through the protection and promotion of the University's brand, revenue is generated to fund student scholarships.
University Groups
Campus departments, student organizations, and club sports teams frequently purchase merchandise that uses Miami University’s brand—including but not limited to logos, symbols, trademarks, quotes and photography. These items range from promotional items to uniforms and even high-end gifts. Prior to production of any of these items, approval must be granted by the Office of University Trademarks and Licensing in order to ensure that the products meet the University’s standards.
Retailers
Marketing Request
If you would like the University’s support with a marketing promotion in your store or online, please submit the Retailer Marketing Request.
Licensed Vendor Inquiry
If you are a retailer looking for a licensed vendor to produce a certain type of product, please complete our Licensed Vendor Inquiry.
Baked Goods
You will need permission to use the University’s brand on baked goods (for a private event like a birthday or graduation). Please complete the Artwork Release Agreement information form. We will work directly with the bakery to process the request.
- The standard license allows the vendor to produce products for retail sale - both wholesale and direct to the consumer. Promotional products vendors are not permitted to hold a standard license.
- The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) is responsible for processing standard license applications. If you have questions for CLC’s application processing team, please contact them at applications@clc.com.
- For more information about the standard license application process and to download the application, visit Standard/Internal License.
- The internal licenses allow the vendor to produce products intended to be sold directly to the University that are not for resale. (This does not include sales to the University Bookstore.)
- The University has two internal license types - royalty bearing and royalty exempt. It is recommended that all vendors applying for an internal license apply for both types so the vendor can fulfill all potential orders from internal departments and organizations.
- The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) is responsible for processing internal license applications. If you have questions, please contact them at applications@clc.com.
- For more information about the internal license application process and to download the application, visit Standard/Internal License.
- The crafter license is available to individuals who hand make items in their home and do not intend to sell these items wholesale to retail stores. All sales of the hand crafted items must be direct to consumer. Acceptable places of sale are: craft fairs, farmers markets, and online sites such as etsy.com.
- The University is responsible for administering the Crafter Program. For more information about the Crafter Program, please visit Crafter License.
You will need permission to use the University’s brand on baked goods (for a private event like a birthday or graduation). Please complete the One Time Use Request. We will work directly with the bakery to process the request.
Licensing Agency
Miami University has contracted with the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) to help manage the University's trademark and licensing program. CLC helps to administer the application process, collect royalties, process insurance and factory disclosures, assist with marketing, and provide legal guidance.
About Trademarks and Licensing
The three primary functions of the Office of University Trademarks and Licensing are:
Protection
Protect the reputation of the University by ensuring that only approved representations of the University’s brand appears before the public and that goods bearing these marks are of approved quality.
Promotion
Promote the University’s brand in a consistent manner through the use of officially licensed vendors and quality products. Licensed products bearing logos and graphics that suggest quality and excellence play a major role in recruiting students and faculty, garnering alumni support, and establishing a distinction among schools.
Profit
Generate revenue through the sale of officially licensed merchandise. All revenue funds student scholarships.
Brand Strategy and Licensing
22 Nellie Craig Walker Hall
301 S. Campus Ave.
Oxford, OH 45056
