By monitoring how the university’s trademarks are applied and the types of products that are produced in association with UMBC, the licensing program:
- protects the university’s image and reputation
- promotes the university’s brand through quality, licensed products
- provides resources to the university through returned royalties
UMBC will not approve the use of trademarks or designs that imply the use or endorsement of weapons or firearms; tobacco/nicotine products; illegal drugs or activity; alcohol; racist, sexist, or hateful language; profanity; suggestive/sexual acts or language; statements impugning other institutions; and products that are harmful to the mission of UMBC. Please note: This list is not all-inclusive. All approvals are subject to the discretion of University Communications and Marketing’s Brand and Creative Strategy Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a name, design, or logo that identifies an entity or organization, whether registered or not. Unauthorized use of trademarks is punishable by law.
Why do I need to use a licensed vendor?
Only licensed vendors are permitted to produce retail and promotional items bearing UMBC’s trademarks. This helps UMBC ensure:
- Items bearing a UMBC trademark are produced only by vendors that are stable, insured, and operating under fair labor practices.
- All university trademarks are used consistently, using only approved logos, colors, and designs.
- Any profits generated by selling items bearing a UMBC trademark return royalties to the university.
What is a royalty and how does it benefit the university?
A royalty is a fee paid by a licensee for the commercial use of a trademark. Licensing royalty proceeds go toward the continued protection and promotion of university trademarks and to support the university.
Are there any instances where royalties are exempted?
Products that will be resold and/or purchased using non-university funds are subject to a 10% royalty (increasing to 12.5% in January 2025). UMBC-branded items that are not sold can be royalty-exempt.
What products must be licensed?
All products that bear a UMBC trademark must be licensed. These products include, but are not limited to, apparel, anything produced to be resold at retail or as a fundraiser: houseware, toys, office supplies, gifts, souvenirs, promotional/giveaway items: pens, sticky notes, thumb drives, water bottles, reusable bags, mugs, etc.
Does all artwork have to be submitted for approval?
YES! Licensed vendors are required to submit artwork for approval before production through CLC’s Brand Manager system.
Do I need permission to use UMBC’s logos if no licensees sell what I’m looking for?
YES! Extremely specialized items can be granted exemptions.
CLC (UMBC’s Licensing Partner)
UMBC is proud to partner with CLC for the management of its licensing program. CLC represents some of the top colleges and universities in the nation.
How to Become Licensed
Any vendor, business, or organization interested in using a university trademark must be a licensee of the university.
Promotional versus Printed Marketing Materials
Printed marketing materials and stationery can be obtained through outside vendors and do not require the use of a licensed vendor. All other promotional products fall within the following two restrictions:
- Anything with a UMBC logo or trademark may only be produced by a licensed vendor.
- No promotional products bearing UMBC’s marks or verbiage are exempt from licensing.
For questions or to order promotional items from the UMBC Bookstore please email derion@umbc.edu
For a list of licensees and products, please visit CLC’s Licensee Search.