WELCOME TO SEATTLE UNIVERSITY LICENSING PROGRAM
The mission of Seattle University’s Licensing program is to protect and promote the Seattle University brand and to ensure the public can properly identify and associate the Seattle University’s name and logos with officially licensed products bearing the Seattle University’s marks.
For all campus departments, clubs and organizations in order to produce products bearing the marks of Seattle University manufacturers/vendors must be a licensee of Seattle University.
For more information on becoming a Seattle University Licensee or on the services SMA provides, including a copy of the application and license agreement, visit Strategic Marketing Affiliates at www.smaworks.com.
Please review the Seattle University Brand Guidelines for more specific information regarding our guidelines or the Seattle University Licensing Program FAQ section below.
STRATEGIC MARKETING AFFILIATES (SMA)
Seattle University has contracted with SMA as its primary licensing agent, and to help improve its licensing program. SMA acts as an intermediary for Seattle University, enabling it to work directly with manufacturers and retailers. This ensures that decisions can be made promptly and that manufacturers can become licensed with the Seattle University in a timely manner
SMA assists Seattle University with the following:
- Facilitating the license application process,
- Executing the licensing agreements
- Marketing the Seattle University brand to potential manufacturers,
- Monitoring the marketplace for unlicensed use of trademarks,
- Collecting royalty payments, and
- Conducting compliance review audits of licensed manufacturers.
All licensees are required to remit royalty reports and payments on a quarterly basis to SMA, who collects these payments on behalf of Seattle University. Seattle University has established a royalty rate of 8% of the wholesale price of an individual product.
Licensees should consult with Strategic Marketing Affiliates (317) 669-0805 prior to the start of design projects to ensure the concept of each project adheres to the Seattle University’s standards.
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY BRAND GUIDELINES
The Seattle University Brand Guidelines provide the Seattle University community and outside designers with thorough explanation of the visual standards to be used for all printed, electronic, promotional and retail items.
Downloads
Seattle University Style/Brand Guidelines
Seattle University Athletic Style/Brand Guidelines
Approved Marks of the University Guide Sheet
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY LICENSEES
Below is a list of local area licensees:
Incentives by Design
1920 Occidental Ave. S, Ste. A
Seattle, WA 98134
Phone: 206-623-4310
Fax: 206-467-8807
Email: cayce@incentivesbydesign.com
Website: incentivesbydesign.com
Sportswear Inc.
2211 Elliott Ave, Ste 601
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-588-7017
Fax: 206-876-2810
Email: mfogel@prepsportswear.com
Website: prepsportswear.com
ZippyDogs
6031A California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98136
Phone: 206 938-8828 x112
Fax: 206 937-4186
Email: kelli@zippydogs.com
Website: www.zippydogs.com
To be listed as a local licensee, please contact Seattle University Licensing Director Mike Hermann at 206-296-2598; hermannm@seattleu.edu
FAQS
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a word, name, phrase, symbol or any combination thereof that identifies and distinguishes goods or services of one party from those of others. A trademark is a brand name. Rights in trademarks arise as a result of the use of the marks 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 and protects its authenticity as a trademark.
What qualifies as a trademark, logo or symbol?
Any mark, name, logo, symbol, nickname, abbreviation, word, mascot, slogan, uniform insignia or landmark that is associated with Seattle University and is distinguishable from any other Seattle University, team or organization.
Who must be licensed?
Any individual or company that wishes to receive Seattle University's express permission to use any or all of its trademarks/logos on products or for services sold in the marketplace, whether wholesale, retail or online. Other activities, such as some noncommercial use of trademarks/logos, may or may not need to be licensed. Some activity may constitute fair use or free speech so as not to require license. Advice in that regard should be sought from your own legal counsel.
How long does it take to obtain approval?
A decision on any license request will depend on the nature and extent of the use being applied for, the number of trademarks involved, the number and diversity of products for which the trademark or trademarks will be used, and other possible factors, such as whether the Seattle University believes there is a need to seek legal advice on the application. However, in most cases, an answer will be provided in 30 days or less.
What products can be licensed?
Seattle University will not license activity which it believes would disparage the Seattle University or any of its trademarks, or would be libelous, slanderous, scandalous, offensive, vulgar or constitute an unfair trade practice, or otherwise reflect negatively on the Seattle University. Some activity may constitute fair use or free speech so as not to require license. Advice in that regard should be sought from your own legal counsel.
How can you obtain a licensing application?
You can obtain an application for a License Agreement directly from Strategic Marketing Affiliates. This application can be downloaded from their website at www.smaworks.com.
Does all artwork have to be submitted for approval?
Yes. All art designs must be submitted through the licensed vendor for approval.
How are the Seattle University’s trademarks able to be used with other Trademarks (co-branding)?
Any use of Seattle University marks with other trademarks must be approved by the Seattle University Brand Director, or through a Seattle University contract.
How much does it cost to become licensed?
The cost for a Standard License Agreement is:
1. $100 non-refundable application fee and
2. 10% royalty fee for Seattle University products.
The cost for a Restricted License Agreement is: $75 non-refundable application fee.
What is the difference between the Standard License and the Restricted License?
The Standard License is used by companies that desire to produce licensed products for resale to the general public.
The Restricted License is used by companies that desire to only produce licensed products for internal consumption by the Seattle University. No products produced under this license agreement may be sold to the general public.
If I am a student or from a department of Seattle University, do I need to ask permission to use a trademark?
Yes. Student Organizations and Seattle University Departments must use a licensed vendor for the production of apparel or hard goods using University trademarks.
If the product is not going to be resold, does it have to be produced by a licensed vendor?
Yes. All items bearing Seattle University marks must be produced by a licensed vendor whether they are for resale or not.
Are any requests exempt from royalties?
Generally, items are subject to royalties. However, each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What does Seattle University do if unlicensed merchandise is discovered in the marketplace?
Merchandise produced without authorization may be considered counterfeit or infringing and subject to all available legal remedies.
When am I able to use the trademarks of Seattle University?
Any trademark that identifies or is associated with Seattle University may not be used without prior, expressed, written permission from the Seattle University Brand Director. A questionnaire is available to assist you with providing pertinent information so that your request can be considered.
How long do requests usually take to process?
Typically, the review process is 2-5 Seattle University, business days. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure compliance with Seattle University policies.
How can I obtain a list of licensees?
A list of licensees can be obtained through Strategic Marketing Affiliates, the Seattle University Licensing Director or the Seattle University Licensees page.
Is it acceptable to alter a Seattle University Trademark?
No. At no time can Seattle University Trademarks be altered. Altering a mark would hurt its integrity. This would dilute the strength and value of Seattle University’s marks.
ENFORCEMENT
Seattle University licenses its trademarks, monitors their use and takes appropriate legal action with respect to infringements of its trademarks because failure to challenge infringements can result in the loss of rights in the trademarks.
A single improper use of a trademark does not invalidate it, but repeated improper use or a pattern of inattention to proper usage can be most damaging. Seattle University takes the protection of our name and trademarks very seriously. Along with Strategic Marketing Affiliates, Seattle University will use every means within the law to vigorously pursue any infringement of our trademark rights.
To determine whether a product is licensed, look for the licensed product label (represented below). All licensed manufacturers of Seattle University products are required to display this label on the product or on the packaging.
Any suspected misuse or unlicensed use of the Seattle University’s name or trademarks should be reported immediately to the licensing department.
Every time you buy an official licensed Seattle University product, the manufacturer returns a portion of that money to the Seattle University. This "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label is your assurance that the merchandise you purchase is "Official" and has been approved by Seattle University. Before you buy, look for the label.
LEGAL NOTICE AND DISCLOSURES
This website to is not intended and should not be construed as a statement of applicable law nor a definitive explanation of the scope of Seattle University’s legal rights nor otherwise to provide any legal advice or opinion. It is the policy of Seattle University to require a license for any use of any of its trademarks, and for any other activity involving its trademarks, that if unlicensed would constitute a trademark infringement or trademark dilution, but it is not the intent of Seattle University’s policy to limit or prevent or to require the licensing of activity that would not infringe or dilute Seattle University’s legal rights, e.g., the legitimate exercise of the constitutional right of free speech or trademark or copyright fair use.
However, Seattle University does not provide advisory legal opinions or any other form of legal advice to third parties as to whether a proposed use of its trademarks may constitute permissible free speech or fair use or otherwise to not require a license. The denial by Seattle University of any application for a license does not necessarily imply or infer that the requested activity would per se infringe or dilute any trademark, nor that the activity necessarily requires a license. Interested parties are encouraged to seek their own legal counsel on any questions concerning the need for or terms of a license from Seattle University.