Licensing Program

Marshall University enjoys a rich heritage as an institution of higher education and as a major force in college athletics with loyal, active alumni worldwide. This tradition has brought with it the responsibility to see that its proud heritage is appropriately represented. It is important for the protection and enhancement of Marshall University's image, both in West Virginia and nationally, to establish a formal process for approval of the many products that are marketed with Marshall University symbols.

Marshall University's logo and all indicia, marks and symbols associated with the university are registered with the United States Office of Trademarks and Patents and the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office to protect and enhance Marshall's image and to provide royalties which support academic scholarships and other university programs. Use of these marks other than on institutional materials and publications is prohibited without prior authorization. All federal and state laws pertaining to trademark and patent infringement apply.

The demand by university students, alumni and friends for products depicting a university trademark, logo or symbol has reached new heights. The number of manufacturers who wish to provide these products has also grown. Marshall University has created a licensing program to ensure that the public properly identify and associate university logos on products bearing the institution's marks.

The MU licensing program is designed to protect the use of the university's name and insignias. To accomplish this, Marshall has established formal licensing procedures that will also enable the institution to share in the benefits derived from the commercial use of both its name and symbols. The licensing program also is designed to establish a cooperative relationship with licensees to assist in the further development of a market for "official licensed products of Marshall University." In this way the consumer may be attracted to products that support the university. The licensing program promotes a relationship by which both the university and its licensees will benefit. All approved products bearing any Marshall University symbol should be identified by a circular tag reading "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product."

What qualifies as a trademark, logo and symbol?
" The trademark is any mark, word, letters or symbol associated with its owner that can be distinguished from its competitors. These include, but are not limited to: M, MU, Marshall, Marshall University, Marco, The Herd, Big Green, Thundering Herd and the University seal.

Why have a licensing program?
A licensing program is necessary to protect the university's property rights in its registered seal, insignia and logos. It is important for the protection and enhancement of the university's image both in West Virginia and nationally to establish a formal process for approval of the many products that are marketed with Marshall University symbols.

What kinds of products may be licensed?
Any product will be considered by the university. However, no product will be licensed by MU until it has been examined and approved by The Collegiate Licensing Company and the Marshall University Licensing Director. The criteria utilized are the quality of the merchandise, the authenticity of logo reproduction and the propriety/tastefulness of the design.

How do I know I am buying only licensed merchandise?
All approved products can be identified by a circular tag reading "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product."

How can I become licensed?
Marshall University's licensing program is administered by The Collegiate Licensing Company. Contact them to receive an application:

The Collegiate Licensing Company
290 Interstate North Parkway, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30339
770/956-0520
770/955-4491 Fax

Licensee List by Address

Local Licensee List

Licensee List by Product Category