The Trademark Licensing Program has become a component of Princeton University Services as of July 1, 2006. The Trademark Licensing Program is currently under review and will be evolving over the coming year.
Princeton University's Trademark Licensing Program has three objectives:
- Protection of Princeton University's name, trademarks and related logos
- Promotion and enhancement of the University's image through the use of its trademarks and related logos by registered licensees for commercial purposes
- Increase the number of University trademark licensees and to provide them with guidance and support
The Trademark Licensing Program, which is a part of Princeton University Services, has established procedures for licensing manufacturers to produce a variety of Princeton insignia merchandise. The Program also serves as a resource to University departments, officially recognized student groups, and alumni, when they wish to purchase or produce Princeton logo merchandise for internal use or for official fund-raising activities.
Princeton's registered trademarks include the names "PRINCETON UNIVERSITY", PRINCETON, the "Dei Sub Numine Viget” Shield, the 250th Anniversary logo and the “Clio Tiger” design. Other marks include variations on the above marks, tigers, the block "P", buildings, such as Nassau Hall, and any other mark associated with the University. An "®" indication must appear on all products bearing Princeton's registered marks and a "TM" on products containing any of Princeton's marks that are not yet registered.
All manufacturers producing goods bearing any of Princeton University's trademarks must be licensed to produce such products. Vendors selling goods directly to Princeton University for internal use, or to an official student agency or alumni group, must also be licensed. A list of licensed manufacturers is available, and the Trademark Licensing office will license qualified vendors if requested by one of these entities.
Typical products include apparel, key chains, clocks, jewelry, glassware and mugs, stationery, leather goods, rugs, lamps, computer items. Among the products that the University does not license are items for official University business such as stationery, business cards, directories and items for official University ceremonies, food items, alcohol or tobacco-related items, weapons, and items in bad taste.
The trademark license agreement includes a royalty payment for the use of Princeton University’s marks. However, sales of Princeton logo merchandise to Princeton University departments and to authorized student or alumni groups are exempt from the royalty charge, although such goods must still be purchased from a licensed vendor. There is a special clause in the licensing agreement for official royalty-exempt vendors, but the procedures and approval requirements remain the same as for commercial vendors.
The terms of a trademark license agreement with Princeton include an 10% royalty rate on the "net sales price" as defined in the trademark license agreement (submitted quarterly), a minimum annual royalty advance guarantee of $500.00 for a general license (including apparel); $250.00 for a specialty license, and $100.00 for an artist license, and a comprehensive general liability insurance policy of $1 million, with the following endorsements on the certificate: “The Trustees of Princeton University, its officers, employees and agents are additional insureds” and “This insurance is primary as to any other valid and collectible insurance in force”. Licensees must be a participating member of the Fair Labor Association. Licensees are required to submit product samples and designs for approval prior to production of the goods. Licensees are encouraged to be creative with their designs.
Princeton has a trademark licensing program in various countries outside of the U.S. The University works with licensing agents in each of these territories to find licensees, shop the market for infringement, and to serve as the local coordinator for the various programs. International licensees follow the same requirements as their U.S. colleagues.
The legal and illegal use of Princeton's trademarks throughout the world is monitored by an international trademark watch service. On the domestic front, staff from Trademark Licensing make regular visits to local retailers to ensure that only officially licensed merchandise is being sold. Trademark licensees, retailers, as well as Princeton students and alumni, also serve as a network for identifying unlicensed merchandise.
