EKU Trademark Licensing Overview
Eastern Kentucky University is proud to be the region’s premier provider of a great, affordable education. Throughout the university’s rich history, its logos, and other brand elements have come to symbolize the quality of EKU and the passion of students, alumni, and fans.
Unauthorized use of these trademarks can negatively impact the value and reputation of the university. That’s why EKU Communications and Brand Management, in partnership with the Collegiate Licensing Company, has been tasked with protecting these trademarks and ensuring they’re up-to-date, compliant, and used only on high-quality goods produced by approved vendors.
Who needs to know this?
Any university employee who wants to purchase EKU-themed items, and any third-party who wants to produce and sell them. Before you start your transaction, check the information below. You’ll find authorized makers of EKU gear, learn how to become a licensed vendor, and more.
License Types
Eastern Kentucky University has partnered with Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) to protect, promote and expand its brand.
All vendors (retail and internal campus suppliers) must obtain a license to utilize Eastern Kentucky University marks on any products. By obtaining a license, companies agree to use the university’s name, nickname and logos correctly. They also agree to the review process established with CLC. Licensed products in retail settings are required to have hologram labels which indicate the item as Officially Licensed Collegiate Product. This hologram label is intended to make it more difficult to sell unauthorized products.
Internal: A business holding an Internal license can produce products bearing the trademarks of the institution for university departments and related entities for internal consumption only. This license cannot be used to provide products at retailers directly to consumers.
Retail: A business holding a retail license can produce products bearing the trademarks of the institution for sale at retail in approved channels. This can be done directly to consumers, university departments and related entities.
Crafters: This license may produce 500 units or less during a contract year with sales not exceeding $2,500. Licensees that will exceed these limits should apply for a Retail License. Distribution is limited to direct-to-consumer sales.
Internal Campus Orders
For internal campus orders, campus areas should utilize a contract vendor. A list of current contract vendors can be found at go.eku.edu/vendors.
If the campus area would like to use a vendor not on this list, they must obtain approval from purchasing before proceeding.
Approval Process
CBM Approval is required for an official purchase order and prior to any production. As noted from EKU Purchasing: No work for Eastern Kentucky University shall be performed without a signed, official purchase order from Eastern Kentucky University. Supplying any goods or services for Eastern Kentucky University without a signed official purchase order is done so at your own risk and may not be reimbursed.
Once vendor is selected and the quote and artwork proof are available, the campus area should submit the CBM Approval form at: go.eku.edu/brandapproval.
Approval may take up to 3-5 business days depending on the use case and design. Once approved, CBM will provide accurate documentation for the campus area to proceed with a purchase order.
Reporting Misuse
If you see the University’s name or marks represented incorrectly, please contact the Office of Communications and Brand Management at brand@eku.edu.