How Do I Find A Licensed Vendor?
FAQ for Campus Support Groups
How do I obtain a product with the USC logo on it for my organization to distribute or sell?
You may purchase products with the USC logo as long as the manufacturer of those products is a licensee of the university. Be sure to ask the seller of the product, or view our list of those product sellers who have a license with the university.
Do I or does my organization need to be licensed?
No. The manufacturer that makes the product for you must be licensed, not the support group.
What is a licensee?
A licensee is a person or organization who has been granted the right, under certain conditions, to use the trademarks and service marks of the University of Southern California.
Why must I use a manufacturer that is licensed by USC for my USC products?
USC marks are protected by law, and use of USC marks without permission may result in USC losing the rights to its names and marks. That's why USC does not permit the sale of products or services under the USC Trademarks to any party, even USC departments, student organizations, or alumni groups, unless such products or services are approved under the licensing system.
What are Copyrights, Trademarks, and Service Marks?
Copyrights, service marks, and trademarks are among USC's foremost assets and must be treated with care to remain viable.
- Copyrights identify original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression such as books, motion pictures, photography, and musical compositions.
- Service marks are distinctive signs used by an individual or business to identify a service and distinguish it from those of its competitors. Some services that may use marks are educational, entertainment and financial services.
- Trademarks are distinctive signs used by an individual or business to identify a product and distinguish it from those of its competitors. Examples of products include software, clothing, and gift items. Trademarks can be placed on product labels, tags, containers, packaging, or on the product itself.
USC's service marks and trademarks (the "USC Marks"), such as the University Sea design mark, TROJANS, USC, "Fight On," the SC Interlock, the TRAVELER mascot, and the Trojan Head, distinguish the university from other institutions. Individuals and groups can only use these marks with USC's permission.
If the product I want to purchase has no reference whatsoever to the university (e.g. no colors, building images, names or trademarks), do I still need to have a licensed vendor produce my product?
No.
If my product is not going to be resold, do I still have to select a licensed vendor?
Yes. Whether or not a product is going to be resold by you has no bearing on the need for the university to have licenses in place with all third parties who are using USC Marks.
How do I use USC Marks correctly?
Follow the guidelines that USC developed for the usage of its marks on official university documents, on publications, and for products. These can be found on the USC Graphic Identity Program website.
What is a license agreement?
A license agreement is the legal contract that governs the relationship between the manufacturer of products bearing USC Marks ("licensee") and the university ("licensor"). The license must be in place prior to any sales and marketing efforts the vendor may initiate.
How does a manufacturer obtain a license?
A manufacturer downloads an application packet from this site and submits a completed application to TLS with representative (non-USC) product samples, price lists, and any other relevant information. Representatives from the USC Alumni Association, Athletic Department, Bookstore, and Trademarks and Licensing serve on a product review panel to which the proposal and products are examined. This panel meets monthly to decide which proposals will be accepted by the university. For further details, go to Licensing Process.
How long does the licensing process take for a new vendor?
Depending upon the speed at which the vendor sends back the materials required for licensing, the process may take as little as three weeks or so and as much as several months.
Are there any types of products that USC will not license?
Most products will be considered for licensing; however, the university reserves the right to decline to license any item. For example, tobacco products and firearms are not appropriate for licensing and will not be considered.
Are licensee sales to the USC University Bookstores exempt from paying royalties to USC?
No. Manufacturers that supply licensed merchandise to the University Bookstores must pay royalties on these sales.
Are any sales exempt from royalties?
Yes. Manufacturers do not have to pay royalties to USC when a product is being used by a campus organization and not resold. Also, if a group can prove that 100% of their profits from product sales benefit a restricted fund scholarship account within USC's financial system, those products’ vendors do not pay a royalty.
Do I need to get product designs pre-approved by TLS before going to a licensed vendor?
No. Obtaining pre-approval of a design before selecting a licensed vendor is optional. It is the licensed vendor's responsibility to have TLS approve all artwork; final approval will be given when the vendor submits artwork to TLS.
What does USC do if unlicensed merchandise is discovered in the marketplace?
The university is committed to protecting and preserving its trademark rights, as failure to do so could result in the loss of those rights. Any commercial use of university marks without a trademark license is addressed promptly; by legal action if necessary. Please advise USC Trademarks and Licensing Services of potential unlicensed product sales.
What is the USC IP policy?
The most up-to-date information about USC's Intellectual Property policies can be found on the University Policies page.