Trademark Licensing

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a trademark?
A trademark is any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination thereof, used to identify or distinguish the source of a good from those of others. Vanderbilt University owns and protects multiple trademarks including, without limitation, its name, logos, colors, slogans, mascot and other indicia.
Who needs a trademark license?
Any individual, organization or company wishing to use the name or identifying marks of Vanderbilt University must obtain a license or complete a one-time use waiver. This includes merchandise, apparel, awards, promotional products, equipment, advertising materials and a signage. Use of the University’s protected marks without permission from the University or its authorized trademark licensing representative, CLC, may subject any individual, organization or company to criminal and/or civil penalties.
How do I apply to be an external licensed vendor for Vanderbilt University?
Apply to be an external licensed vendor >>
What kinds of products cannot be licensed?
Vanderbilt University will not approve the use of its name or marks to promote the following products: tobacco, controlled substances, sexually oriented products, alcohol (unless sold by the University at a University event), religious products, bathroom articles, or games of chance. Vanderbilt University will not approve the use of its name or marks with: text or graphics that are judged to be sexually suggestive, denigrating language by any group including another college or university, items that infringe on the marks of other trademark owners on products or services, or endorsement of political candidates. Vanderbilt University will not license products that: do not meet minimum standards of quality and/or taste, are judged to be dangerous or carry high product liability risks.
I own a business and would like to advertise or sell items using Vanderbilt University’s marks with my company's marks. Do I need a license?
Please email brandengagement@vanderbilt.edu to learn more about advertising or marketing opportunities. From there, we can determine whether or not a license is needed.
How do I tell if merchandise is officially licensed by Vanderbilt University?
To ensure that a product is licensed by Vanderbilt University, look for the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label/hologram sticker, as shown below.

Support Opportunity Vanderbilt – Look for the Label

CLC Halogram When purchasing Vanderbilt University merchandise and apparel, always look for the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" hologram sticker attached to the product. This label is your assurance that the product you are purchasing is authentic and represents the goodwill of the University. When you see this label on a product, it signifies that the merchandise has passed the standards set forth by Vanderbilt and guarantees that a portion of the purchase is returned to the University in the form of a royalty.

At Vanderbilt University, 100% of royalties received by Vanderbilt University through the retail sale of licensed merchandise and apparel go to Opportunity Vanderbilt , scholarship support that helps ensure young people of every background can attend Vanderbilt, creating a dynamic learning community that benefits every student.

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