How Do I Find A Licensed Vendor?

Why Use A Licensed Vendor?

Preservation and Protection of USC Marks
Under Federal and State law, USC may lose its trademark rights if it allows others to use trademarks without permission. Preservation of the USC Marks through correct use is the responsibility of every member of the university community, as well as all USC licensees.

The university preserves its exclusive rights to the USC Marks in three primary ways: USC ensures that its marks are used consistently through compliance with USC Graphic identity guidelines. USC also owns registered trademarks in the United States and abroad. Lastly, USC has a licensing program to oversee the use of its trademarks by the manufacturers of products bearing the university's name and logos.

Compliance with USC Graphic Identity Guidelines
USC Marks are protected by:

• Strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by the university in the Graphic Identity Program
• Controlled usage by external organizations and product manufacturers though formal license agreements.

Registration
The USC Marks are protected nationally through registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the "PTO"), and statewide through registration with the California Secretary of State. A number of the USC Marks are also protected in foreign countries.

Registration with the PTO:

• Establishes the university's ownership of the USC Marks
• Protects USC's exclusive right to use these marks throughout the U.S.
• Enables the university to prevent others from using USC Marks in any unauthorized manner

Licensing
USC's Trademark Licensing Program gives the university control over its logos and marks in order to ensure that the quality of all university merchandise is consistent. Trademark licensing also enables the university to generate income from the sale of merchandise bearing its identifying marks to fund a variety of programs such as student scholarships and athletic programs.