About Trademarks and Licensing

The Trademarks and Licensing program exists to protect the name and marks of The University of Montana and to enhance the image of the University by authorizing the use of the marks on high-quality, tasteful merchandise. It is the responsibility of the office to ensure that the University receives the appropriate commercial value for the use of its trademarks and to actively enforce against the unauthorized use of marks/name and logos of the University.

To help maintain a consistent and positive image for The University of Montana, all individuals, organizations, departments, and companies, both internal and external, must obtain prior approval from the Trademarks and Licensing Director before producing any product(s) that will display UM Indicia, regardless of the method of distribution.

The Trademarks and Licensing program is currently administered under the Office of the Vice President for Integrated Communications, and run by the Trademarks and Licensing Director, Erika Palmer.

Through a partnership with the Collegiate Licensing Company since 1987, Trademarks and Licensing monitors the commercial and internal use of UM indicia and is responsible for managing more than 275 licensees producing products bearing UM's indicia.  UM's first royalty check was $9.14! UM was the first school to sign a 10-year agreement with CLC, and signed a second 10-year agreement through 2018.

The Royalties earned on UM merchandise go towards student sponsorships for both academic and athletic achievements and special projects.

About The Collegiate Licensing Company

CLC is the nation's leading collegiate licensing and marketing representative. Formed in 1981, CLC assists collegiate licensors in protecting and controlling the use of their logos through trademark licensing.

The CLC Consortium consists of more than 180 universities, bowl games, conferences, the NCAA, and the Heisman Trophy. Based in Atlanta, CLC provides its member institutions the expertise, resources, and experience necessary to maximize licensing revenue potential through the power of consolidation.

Licensing Agreements

There are several types of licensing agreements. The following agreements are administered by The Collegiate Licensing Company on behalf of The University of Montana. The Trademarks and Licensing Director and The Collegiate Licensing Company will aid potential licensees in securing the proper agreement and forms. Types of agreements include:

• Local
  For local companies and/or individuals within the State of Montana.
• Standard
  For production of emblematic merchandise to be sold by an individual or company at retail.
• Restricted
  For internal suppliers; products sold to the institution for internal consumption only and cannot be resold by restricted licensees

License terms are reviewed and determined by the Trademarks and Licensing Director and last for 1 to 3 years. A license grants the non-exclusive right to use the licensed marks in connection with products of quality acceptable by the Office of the Vice President for Integrated Communications.

General Information about Trademarks

A trademark or service mark may be a word, name, symbol, or any combination thereof that is used by its owner to identify or distinguish goods or services from those of others. Rights in trademarks and service marks arise as a result of use of the mark in commerce to identify the source or origin of goods and services. In addition, a trademark remains the property of the owner so long as the owner continues to use it properly as a trademark.

Graphics Standards Manual

The intent of The University of Montana Graphics Standards manual is to encourage visual consistency in the use of The University of Montana's name, not to make every publication look exactly the same. The guidelines apply to print, electronic, and Web communications. Consistent and repetitive use of the visual images will unify and strengthen the University's brand identity and image.

Units involved in outreach and/or funded through the University and not legally autonomous must follow these guidelines. Sometimes situations may arise that aren't covered in the Graphics Standards manual. You can direct questions to University Relations at 243-2522 or Printing & Graphic Services at 243-2711.

View the Graphics Standards Manual here.

View the UM Web Policy here.

For more information about Trademarks and Licensing or to request use of a UM trademark contact Erika Palmer, or visit www.clc.com for an application packet.

Erika Palmer
Director of Trademarks and Licensing
(406) 243-2311
Erika.Palmer@umontana.edu

The Collegiate Licensing Company
(770) 956-0520
www.clc.com