Licensing F.A.Q.

What marks does MTSU owns?
CLICK HERE to view MTSU Athletics artwork sheet

How can MTSU marks be used?
CLICK HERE to view MTSU Athletics branding guide

CLICK HERE to view University branding guide

Who needs a license?
Any individual, organization or company wishing to use the name or identifying marks of Middle Tennessee State University must obtain a license. This includes manufacturers or service providers who use MTSU’s name or logo on products (including premiums for promotions) or in advertising.

How to become a licensed vendor? 
Any vendor who wishes to obtain a license to produce Middle Tennessee State University merchandise must submit a license application. This application informs the university of how its marks will be used, what type of product the applicant makes, how the Middle Tennessee State University is going to be represented, etc.

Applications can be obtained by CLICKING HERE

Why does MTSU have a licensing program?
The licensing program at MTSU has four main objectives:
1. Ensure the quality and consistency of all of MTSU’s trademarks, logos and/or symbols.
2. Protect all service marks, trademarks and verbiage that relates to MTSU (or have come to be associated with MTSU), and to ensure that the use of these marks reflects on the university in a favorable manner.
3. Generate revenue to support and enhance MTSU’s programs and to fund scholarships, programs or services to student-athletes and university departments.
4. Protect the consumer from faulty or inferior products bearing MTSU’s trademarks.

What kinds of products may be licensed?
Collegiate fans generate many great ideas for new MTSU products. Most products will be considered for licensing.  However, the University reserves the right to decline licensing of specific products.  This ensures all products associated with the University are of high quality and good taste and helps to prevent the approval of potentially hazardous items.

Alcohol and tobacco products will not be licensed.  All goods bearing the marks of Middle Tennessee State University must be licensed. 

Is it true that student/campus organizations must utilize an officially licensed manufacturer of products which are specifically produced on their behalf?
Yes. These manufacturers are then obligated to submit the design to the Licensing Office for approval pursuant to the terms of their licensing agreement with Middle Tennessee State University.

What is the process for having items produced which have the University’s name or logo on them for departmental use (T-shirts, novelty items, etc…)? 
Arrangements for special events T-shirts, merchandise, or departmental promotional items should be coordinated through the Licensing Director to ensure that the manufacturers are officially licensed to use University trademarks. The Licensing Director keeps a list of all manufacturers who are licensed and will provide a copy of this list to any recognized department or organization of the University that wishes to obtain products for general distribution.
 
Do Departments and University offices need permission to utilize the University’s trademarks? 
Printed materials covered under the policies of MTSU’s Marketing and Communications Office such as brochures, letterhead, notecards, posters, and banners for example, do not require licensing but do require approval.  If any of these printed material will be sold, such as a calendar or cookbook, the product must comply with MTSU’s licensing policies, and the publisher must be licensed.

The visual identity standards for campus use of the University signature and other trademarks are well documented and available. Departments and university offices should strictly adhere to the “Visual Style Guide and Branding Policy Manual” as written.

In general, items containing the MTSU name, logos, or other licensed marks; items obviously connected with the University in some way or conveying or implying MTSU sanction, support, or association; and items to be paid for by University funds must follow these guidelines:

• Logos, symbols, and marks may vary in size but cannot otherwise be altered, tampered with, modified, incorporated into other marks, or overprinted with other words or design elements.
• Whenever an MTSU logo or mark is used, it must be prominent and separate from other designs or marks, including sponsor logos.
• The sponsoring department or organization must be identified. For example, a festival event can include the festival design/graphic and the text of the sponsoring department or organization name beneath it.
• To avoid being perceived as an official University logo, student event logos should not contain the slanted MT or the Middle Tennessee State University name within them. However, stating that an event or organization is “at MTSU” in text may be acceptable. Separate, prominent, and clear use of an approved MTSU mark can be elsewhere on the item (for example, on a t-shirt the logo mark might appear on a front pocket or a sleeve, while the independent event/organization design appears on the back).
• Small items such as lapel pins should use a single design in appropriate colors or metals. Longer or formal names for schools and colleges, departments, or events should be on larger buttons or badges, not lapel pins. Creative and Visual Services can recommend alternatives.
• Only those student organizations recognized by the MTSU Student Government Association are allowed to use the University’s name.
• Use of a current student-athlete’s name or likeness on commercial merchandise is a violation of NCAA rules and can result in the student-athlete being declared ineligible. Any use of a student-athlete’s name, nickname, or picture must be approved by the Athletics Compliance Office.
• Use of art or other intellectual property owned by a third party must be approved by that entity in writing and submitted to Marketing and Communications along with the desired artwork.
• Student organizations and campus departments may include a sponsor name/logo along with University marks on products and some advertising. However, the student organization/department’s name must be included in such a way as to convey that the relationship is a partnership and not an endorsement by MTSU. University departments will need to secure approval of any joint advertisement from Marketing and Communications.

What happens to the income Middle Tennessee State University receives from licensing?
Proceeds generated by the trademark licensing program are returned to MTSU students through academic or athletic scholarships and student programs administered by the University. All net royalties are deposited into these funds annually.

How can University Offices/Units or Retailers find a licensed vendor for a Middle Tennessee State University Product?
To find out what officially licensed vendor may have a specific product you are looking for, CLICK HERE

Where is there more info about IMG College Licensing?
IMG College Licensing proudly represents nearly 200 colleges, universities, conferences, bowls, the NCAA, and the Heisman Trophy.  Each collegiate partner has a unique set of values and policies that govern its licensing program. To learn more, CLICK HERE