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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I know who is currently licensed? How can I see which products are being produced by which licensee companies? Who can or should become licensed? Is anyone exempt from royalties? What products can be licensed? How is the Logo Licensing Program enforced? Why regulate the use of UM's marks? Does the University License Internationally? What if my question was not answered here? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. A trademark is any word, phrase, symbol or design, which identifies and distinguishes the goods and/or services of one party from those of another. These marks should be used in a consistent manner that enhances the image of the University. Traditionally, trademarks only describe marks designating products or "goods" (as opposed to services). Increasingly, however, the word is used to describe any type of mark, not just traditional trademarks. The use of a trademark is designated by a tm prior to obtaining a federal registration. When this mark becomes registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the designation changes from tm to ®.
Q. How do I know what are the specific University of Miami school colors, and if a trademark or registered mark is needed on your logos?
A. An electronic logo artpak is also available for our licensees and approved vendors. You can also obtain our artwork through the Logos on Demand program through CLC or if a hard copy is required - Please contact directly at (770) 956-0520. CLC's Home page A. Click on the Licensing Process link: Licensing Process
Q. How can I know who is currently licensed? A. Click on the Licensee List link: Licensee List Q. How can I see which products are being produced by which licensee companies? A. Click on the Product List link: Product List Q. Who can or should become licensed? A. All manufacturers who produce goods bearing any of the University's trademarks must either be licensed or have received special permission from the Logo Licensing Program to produce such products without a formal license agreement. Manufactures producing goods with the University's marks for sale to a University department or an officially recognized student group are not required to pay royalties on the goods sold to the University's departments and groups, but are required to be licensed. If the department or student group sells these insignia goods, as long as all sales proceeds are used to benefit the University, no royalties are due. In order to do this, both the manufacturer and the University's department or student group must first obtain permission from the Logo Licensing Program prior to the production of any product bearing the University's marks. Q. Is anyone exempt from royalties? A. Sales of items bearing the University's marks to University departments and authorized student groups are exempt from the royalty charge, as long as, if the department or student group sells these insignia goods, all sales proceeds are used to benefit the University. In order for a department or student group to obtain royalty exemption, special written permission must be requested from the Logo Licensing Program and presented to the manufacturer prior to their production of the goods. The names, addresses, and phone numbers of companies licensed to produce goods bearing the University's marks can also be obtained free-of-charge by contacting the Logo Licensing Program. Q. How does the University of Miami insure that products bearing their names & Logos are produced under fair and proper working conditions? A. In an effort to reach this goal, we have elected to affiliate ourselves with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). As FLA members, we require all of our licensees to participate in the FLA. Additionally we require the public disclosure of factory locations where our licensed products are manufactured. In an attempt to improve the working conditions under which our licensed products are produced, the University of Miami Logo Licensing requires all licensees to affiliate with the FLA. A licensee therefore cannot manufacture or distribute products bearing the logos of the University of Miami unless the company first joins the FLA. Q. What products can be licensed? A. Typical products licensed by the Logo Licensing Program are T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters, shorts, caps, ties, and other articles of clothing. Other licensed goods include key chains, watches, clocks, jewelry, mugs, glassware, stationery products, leather goods, rugs, phones and lamps. Among the products that the University does not license are alcoholic beverages, weapons, lighters, ashtrays, tobacco products, or any items perceived by the Logo Licensing Program to promote these items or other objectionable items. Q. How is the Logo Licensing Program enforced? A. On the domestic front, the University and the representatives from the University's Licensing agent (CLC) make regular visits to local retailers to ensure that only officially licensed merchandise is being sold. Furthermore, trademark licensed, retailers, as well as UM students and alumni, are excellent resources for identifying counterfeit merchandise and/or the unauthorized third party use of the University's name and symbols around the country. Finally, all licensees are required to identify their products as being officially licensed by affixing the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" hang tag to all licensed merchandise. Q. Why regulate the use of UM's marks? A. The licensing program strives to regulate, promote and protect the commercial use of the University's name and identifying marks, both on and off campus. UM benefits from public recognition of its images, and if properly managed, these images provide the critical unifying look that establishes a visual presence. The look then becomes identified with the quality of UM's programs, products and services-and distinguishes its program from other universities. Royalties collected from licensed merchandise are returned to the University to help support University programs and services.
Q. Does the University License Internationally? A. The University currently has trademark licensing programs in place in various countries outside of the U.S. The University typically works with licensing agents in each of these territories to help find licensees, shop the market for infringement and counterfeit product, and to serve as the local coordinators for the various programs. Other than the role played by the licensing agent, international trademark licensing is very similar to its domestic counterpart. Licensees are required to pay advance fees, annual minimum royalties, and a royalty on all sales of University products. International licensees are also required to submit all designs, products, and advertising for approval by the Logo licensing Program. Q. What if my question was not answered here? A. If you would like more information on the University of Miami's Licensing Program, please contact:
University of Miami: For questions or comments regarding this web site, Please contact us at Licensing.AuxiliaryServices@Miami.edu
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