Brown University Trademark Licensing Program

license
1 : to issue, to permit or to give permission or consent to (transitive verb)
2 : permission to act, freedom of action (noun)

trademark
1 : a distinguishing characteristic or feature firmly associated with a person or thing (noun)

What Is A Trademark Licensing Program?
All Brown University marks, logos, and names have been trademarked with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. They are the legal property of the University. Only approved and appropriate use is permitted. Other than the College, numerous external entities have been granted permission to use the University's marks, logos, and words. These external entities are called licensees.

Why Have A Trademark Licensing Program?
A trademark licensing program gives Brown University control over its logos and marks, thus ensuring the quality and consistency of all of the University's merchandise and imagery. It also enables Brown to generate revenue from the sale of items bearing its logos and marks, and creates a cooperative and positive working relationship with the manufacturers and retailers who work with Brown University. When an individual program sends a positive message to the public, Brown's overall reputation is strengthened. Similarly, as the University's reputation and visibility get stronger, every program benefits.

What Qualifies As A Trademark?
Any mark, logo, symbol, words, or combination of these that can be associated with Brown University qualifies as a trademark.

Who Gets To Use The Trademarks?
All use requires authorization and permission. Licensees are granted access and permission through Brown University and its licensing agency, the Licensing Resource Group. On campus groups must get authorization and approval from the Adminstration and/or the Department of Athletics. This includes usage on websites, merchandise, uniforms, brochures - anywhere and everywhere the University's imagery appears. Failure to obtain a license or approval is grounds for the seizure of the non-approved items bearing Brown's marks, and could also result in jail time and numerous fines if convicted.

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Contact Information

Licensing Resource Group
442 Century Lane, Suite 100
Holland, Michigan, 49423
(616) 395-0676
www.lrgusa.com

Brown University Administration
Gail Caetano
(401) 863-3166

Brown University Athletics
Rick Merriam
(401) 863-9377