Licensing - Prospective Licensees
Types of CLC Licenses
The University owns the rights to the logos, symbols, verbiage, and marks that reference The University of Alabama. In addition, the University controls the use of those marks, logos, symbols, nicknames, letter(s), word(s) or combination of these that can be associated with The University of Alabama. Anyone wishing to use a University trademark or one which can be associated with the University must obtain a license. There are three types of licenses, all managed through CLC:
- Retail - Allows a company to produce products bearing the trademarks of collegiate institutions for sale at retail in approved retail channels and direct to consumer, as well as university departments and related entities.
- Internal - Allows a company to produce products bearing the trademarks of collegiate institutions for university departments and related entities for internal consumption only; cannot provide product at retailer direct to consumer.
- NCAA/Bowl/Conference Licenses - These are special licenses that are available to companies that wish to obtain rights to use the trademarks of the NCAA, bowl games, or athletic conferences for use on licensed merchandise, either alone or in conjunction with the University's trademarks. Licensing rights to these properties may be more expensive to obtain, depending on the event and the extent of the rights and product categories desired by the company.
How do I start the Licensing Process with The University of Alabama?
To obtain a licensing application, visit CLC's website and click on Get Licensed. The Apply Now page will allow you to fill out your application online. You can also visit the CLC website for information about the various types of licenses and business considerations involved with collegiate licensing. View the About page on their site for additional CLC contact info.
What is the Licensing Process?
Alabama Trademark Licensing evaluates each licensing application on a case by case basis and must grant approval of the completed application before any merchandise can be produced for sale. This process ensures that every product bearing the marks of Alabama will be of a high quality, and protects all parties, including the University, from future liability. The licensing process can vary in length due to a number of factors outlined on the Get Licensed page.
Other Trademark Requests
If you intend to use the trademarks of the University of Alabama for a one-time, non-commercial use and do not plan on selling your item (i.e. a memorial), you can email sharper@ia.ua.edu. Please include your complete contact information as well as the proposed use of the University's trademark(s) in detail.
