NC State
Trademark Licensing

Thank you for your interest in producing officially licensed NC State University merchandise.

Any commercial use of NC State’s name or trademarks requires prior permission from the University via a contract or trademark license agreement. Once approved, the business or person requesting permission becomes a “licensee” and the individual products or services become “licensed products” or “licensed services.”

Before applying for a trademark license, you should have a plan and do your homework. Being granted a trademark license does not require the University to market your products on your behalf nor require campus retail locations to carry the products.

Some product categories of the retail market for collegiate merchandise have become oversaturated, resulting in pressure to maintain quality and standards and creating confusion among purchasers. Therefore, licenses may not be approved for new companies in certain categories. The best strategies to be successful in obtaining a license are the same as for most other businesses: be unique, fit a niche, carve out different distribution channels, and provide added value.

NC State University uses the services of a collegiate licensing agency, CLC, to administer the application process, royalty reporting, artwork approvals, enforcement and general administration. CLC’s website has information about the application timeline, fees and other considerations.

If you have additional questions after you review the CLC College Licensing website, please contact information@clc.com.