How Do I Obtain a License?

Licensing Services Overview

Merchandise Licensing
Established in 1976 to protect the USC name and identifying marks, USC's licensing program was one of the first collegiate licensing programs in the nation. Since that time, individuals and organizations who wish to use the university's identifying marks on commercial products must obtain permission to do so by securing trademark licenses from the university from TLS.

By licensing products which bear the university's marks, TLS seeks to preserve and promote the university's long standing reputation as a center of academic and athletic excellence. USC licenses only those products which reflect positively upon the university; those which are appropriate and in keeping with the mission of the institution.

Licensing also enables USC to share in the economic benefits derived from the commercial use of its marks. USC's leadership in research, teaching, service and athletic competition creates a market for products displaying the university's name and marks. Retailers and manufacturers supply this market for USC merchandise. To respond to this demand, the university has established licensing procedures to enable manufacturers and marketers to sell products bearing the university's trademarks.

Students, faculty, alumni, staff, friends and the general public support the university and its mission by purchasing licensed products.

Non-Merchandise Licensing
TLS is also the contact point for licensing new trademarks that do not incorporate any of USC's identifying marks, and may not involve merchandise. Such licenses may be granted for the use of USC's name by a USC department's external partner, or be licenses for trademarks intended to appear on a specific technology developed at USC.

TLS provides a linkage between outside intellectual property legal counsel and USC organizations. We work cooperatively with the Office of the General Counsel.