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Athletic Licensing
Established in 2005, the Northwest Missouri State Athletic Licensing Program was implemented to protect the Athletic Department's ownership interest in its athletic logos and to generate royalty fees to support the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. One of the most important functions of the Athletic Licensing Office is to protect Northwest Missouri State University Athletics in the legal interests in their registered trademarks. It is necessary to do so because the law requires that the department actively safeguard registered trademarks from improper use in order to protect its legal ownership interest in them.
Any individual or company seeking to market and/or manufacture products bearing the name, seal, logo and other identifying marks of Northwest Missouri State University Athletics must obtain a license from the University Athletic Department to use such marks. These logos and word marks are protected as trademarks of the University Athletic Department.
Through this licensing program, Northwest Missouri State University seeks to protect its good name and generate funds for worthwhile projects. For participating firms, the University Athletic Licensing Program provides assistance and support in the manufacturing and distribution of quality Northwest Missouri State University Athletics imprinted merchandise. A non-exclusive licensing agreement is available for vendors seeking to market products bearing the athletic logos and trademarks.
Restrictions
No merchandise or use of the Northwest Missouri State University Athletic logos and trademarks will be approved when used in conjunction with or making reference to:
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Alcohol, alcohol consumption and/or abuse
- Tobacco products and usage
- Sexual conduct, imagery, or inferences
- Profanity or inappropriate insensitive language
- Gambling
- Firearms and weapons
- Any other merchandise or use of Northwest Missouri State University Athletic logos and trademarks judged by the Athletic Licensing Program to be inappropriate, unacceptable, or inconsistent with standard licensing practices of Northwest Missouri State University.
FAQ
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a symbol or word used by a manufacturer or organization to identify its goods or services and distinguish them from its competitors. In practice, a trademark does more than that. It conveys to consumers the desirability of the product bearing the mark, and it helps to promote the goods it is identified with. Once this is accomplished, the trademark owner has attained something of value.
What qualifies as a trademark, logo and/or symbol of Northwest Athletics?
A trademark is any logo, word, letter or symbol associated with Northwest Missouri State University Athletics that can be distinguished from those of other universities, teams or organizations (ex. Bearcat paw, Bobby Bearcat). There can be no alterations/manipulations to athletic logos.
What kinds of products may be licensed?
Most products will be considered for licensing. However, the Athletic Department reserves the right to decline licensing of specific products. Alcohol and tobacco products will not be licensed. Below are the related PDFs to the University Athletic Licensing Program.
Who must be licensed?
Any individual, organization or company wishing to use the name or identifying marks of Northwest Missouri State University Athletics must obtain a license. This includes manufacturers or service providers who use the Athletic Department's name or logo on products (including premiums for promotions) or in advertising.
Is it true that student/campus organizations must utilize an officially licensed manufacturer of products which are specifically produced on their behalf?
Yes. These manufacturers are then obligated to submit the design to the Athletic Licensing Office for approval pursuant to the terms of their licensing agreement with the Athletic Department. A list of licensed vendors is available below.
What is the process for registered student/campus organizations to gain permission to utilize the Athletic Department's logo for t-shirts and related products?
The organization(s) must submit the design to the Athletic Licensing Office prior to placing orders. The department has the right of refusal.
Do academic departments and university offices need permission to utilize the Athletic Department's trademarks?
The University would prefer academic departments and offices to not use the athletic logos. They would instead suggest using the Northwest "N" tower logo.
Below are the related PDFs to the University Athletic Licensing Program.
For more information, to request permission to use the image or to report unlicensed goods, contact the Athletic Licensing Office at (660) 562-1581.
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