Crafter’s License Program Overview

The NC State Crafter’s License Program allows non-retail crafters and artisans to legally produce products bearing the NC State University name, marks and logos, while maintaining the integrity of the university brand.

A Crafter is defined as an individual producing domestic handcrafted, non-apparel, items in the home with collegiate marks for the sale to individual consumers via events or direct sales. This program is ideal for fans and alumni who are interested in producing small quantities of merchandise to sell or distribute at places such as craft fairs, street festivals, farmer’s markets, church and school events or online direct-to-consumer platforms such as etsy or personal website.

Before an individual or business may use the University’s name, marks and logos, formal permission must be granted through a licensing agreement.

The basic parameters of the Crafter’s License are:

• Must be a North Carolina resident to enter into the agreement
• Product must be unique, handmade, and have inherent quality in design and construction and be an under-represented category
• Licenses are granted by evaluation of the product and how the products fit within the university’s trademark licensing program
• NC State is not required to grant a license to any applicant
• A finite number of Crafter Licenses are issued each year and are renewable each year under the license agreement’s provisions.  
• You may be put on a waiting list.  

Once a license agreement is completed, a Crafter’s Licensee will be issued the following:

• A license number that must appear on tags, website descriptions, brochures or marketing materials
• Official NC State Crafter’s License hologram labels to be put on products
• An official Crafter’s Licensee certificate to display with products at craft fairs, festivals and other events