Applying for a License

Who needs a license?

• External vendors and businesses
  Any company that produces merchandise that includes BGSU trademarks (apparel, promotional items, giveaways, yard signage, etc) must be a licensed vendor through Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).
• Campus departments and internal University usage 
  Departments ordering branded items (even for internal use) must work with a licensed vendor and follow the University brand guidelines.
• Recognized student organizations (RSOs) 
  Registered student organizations creating items with BGSU names or logos must submit designs for approval and use licensed vendors.
• Corporate partners and sponsors
  Use of BGSU Marks in advertising, promotions or co-branded materials requires prior approval and may be subject to licensing agreements.

What requires a license?

A license and approval is required for any product or material that includes:

• Official Bowling Green State University logos, wordmarks, or athletics marks
• The University name, abbreviations (BGSU), or other identifiable references
• Designs that imply affiliation with Bowling Green State University

• Merchandise intended for resale, fundraising, or promotional distribution

What may not require a license?

Some limited uses may not require a full license but still require approval, including:

• Internal-only items not for resale
• One-time special event materials

• Certain student organization uses without commercial intent

All uses must still comply with University branding and trademark policies.

Usage without a license

Use of Bowling Green State University logos, marks and trademarks without proper approval or licensing is prohibited. The University reserves the right to review, approve or deny any use to ensure brand integrity and compliance with licensing agreements.

Types of licenses

Bowling Green State University offers several types of licenses depending on how University trademarks will be used. Each license category ensures proper use of all BGSU marks while maintaining brand integrity and compliance.

Retail license

A retail license is required for any product that is produced with the intent of selling the product.

This includes:

• Apparel and merchandise sold in stores or online
• Items sold through third-party retailers or campus bookstores
• E-commerce or bulk sales intended for resale

NOTE: These items are subject to standard royalty rates, require reporting of sales and must be produced by a fully licensed vendor.

Crafter license

A crafter license is a license that allows for independent artists and crafters to participate in Bowling Green State University’s licensing program by legally producing products with the application of BGSU’s brand (including but not limited to word marks, trademarks, logos and/or symbols). This license is ideal for crafters, fans and alumni who only want to produce small quantities of products for events such as craft fairs and online marketplaces rather than at retail stores.

This license is also subject to standard royalty rates.