Frequently Asked Questions

A trademark is any word, mark, slogan, design, logo or combination of branding elements that identifies the goods or services of others.

Bowling Green State University has delegated the responsibility for managing, licensing and protecting the University’s trademarks to the assistant athletic director for facility operations and licensing and brand management under the direction of General Counsel and the Office of Marketing and Communication.

Yes, all individuals seeking to use any BGSU marks, slogans, designs, logos or other identifiable branding elements must obtain approval prior to using any element in a product, design, merchandise or content.

Unauthorized use of any University mark may result in requests to discontinue use, removal of products or promotional items, denial of future licensing opportunities, or other actions necessary to protect the University’s trademarks and brand integrity.

Any person, organization, vendor or business who wishes to use Bowling Green State University’s brand and branding elements on any product, merchandise, content or other commercial purposes must have a license prior to production and distribution. This includes all vendors or businesses that sell and work with University departments and organizations internally or for retail.

Any individual, organization or business that intends to use Bowling Green State University names, logos, marks or trademarks must obtain a proper license prior to production or sale of any items. A license must be obtained through the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).

Apply for a license

• Application fee: $150-$300 depending on the license
• Advance royalty payment: $100-$1,250 depending on the product categories licensed and the license type
• Royalty rate: 12% standard royalty rate. Higher royalty rates may apply for other license types. Royalty payments and reports are due to CLC on a quarterly basis.
• Renewal fee: An annual renewal fee is due to CLC for licensees that are extended renewal offers.

All artwork must be approved prior to production of any merchandise or products containing branding elements of Bowling Green State University. Artwork approval is required for all orders, even if the item is a reorder.

A list of licensed vendors can be obtained through the University’s licensing office or on the licensed vendors webpage.

A licensed vendor is a company or business that has received authorization to produce products and merchandise containing elements of BGSU’s branding, including trademarks and logos. Licensed vendors have agreed to follow University licensing requirements and applicable regulations. All merchandise and products being produced with any BGSU branding element must go through a licensed vendor.

Yes. Any vendor who is not already licensed is able to apply for a license to hold rights to BGSU trademarks and branding elements through the University Licensing Agent, Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). There are fees that may apply during the application process.

Royalties are fees collected from sales of products that feature Bowling Green State University trademarks, logos, marks or other branding elements. These fees help support the University’s efforts to protect and manage its trademarks, maintain brand integrity and administer the licensing program.

Royalty rates may vary pending on the type of license, product, intended use or sales channel.

Royalties help ensure that the University trademarks are being used responsibly and consistently. They also support the administration and protection of Bowling Green State University’s intellectual property.

Licensing and royalties allow BGSU to:

• Protect trademarks and brand identity
• Monitor product quality and brand standards
• Support trademark enforcement
• Maintain licensing and approval processes
• Ensure compliance with the NCAA, conference and institutional requirements

Recognized student organizations and campus departments may qualify for 0 percent royalty rate when products are intended for internal use only or when purchasing items for University business, internal operations, events or departmental use. Recognized student organizations and campus departments must still follow licensing procedures, use approved vendors and obtain necessary artwork approval.

Products that are produced with the intention of resale, fundraising or broader commercial distribution may be subject to royalties.

Artwork approval is the process used to review all designs featuring BGSU branding elements, trademarks and logos before products are distributed, sold or produced. The review process helps ensure compliance with University brand standards and licensing.

Artwork approval is required whenever a University trademark, logo, athletic mark or other branding elements appear on:

• Apparel and merchandise
• Promotional products
• Giveaways
• Fundraising items
• Marketing materials
• Digital graphics
• Signage and banners
• Co-branded products and other items
• NIL-related products featuring University marks

University departments, recognized student organizations, athletics programs, licensed vendors, corporate partners and sponsors, alumni groups, external organizations and businesses seeking to use University trademarks must submit artwork for approval.

To help expedite the process, provide:

• Complete artwork or design
• Product type (hat, shirt, banner, etc.)
• Vendor information
• Quantity being produced
• Intended audience
• Distribution method (internal use, giveaway, retail sale, fundraising, etc.)
• Event or project details

Artwork is typically submitted through the licensed vendor producing the items in conjunction with BGSU’s licensing agent, CLC. CLC requires artwork to be submitted via BrandManager 360 for Standard and Retail licenses and through Community Connect for Crafter’s licensees.

If artwork is not approved, the product or item cannot be product or distributed through the vendor. Artwork can be resubmitted after being revised for additional review.

Artwork approval is one part of the process. Typically, artwork approval does mean a licensed vendor can move forward with production.

Depending on the project or item, additional approvals, royalty determinations, vendor requirements, sponsorship reviews or NIL considerations may still apply before production can begin.

The sale of any BGSU branded merchandise requires licensing approval. Retail sales, online sales, fundraising items and commercial merchandise may be subject to additional licensing requirements, royalties and vendor restrictions. Contact the licensing and brand manager before offering any BGSU-branded products for sale.

Yes, all recognized student organizations and University departments must obtain approval prior to producing merchandise, promotional materials or other items containing BGSU trademarks or logos. Student organizations and campus departments are required to use licensed vendors and submit artwork for review and approval prior to production.