University Logo's

[Rawhide]

Someone asked me to make a purse with a university logo on the flap. I'm just wondering if anyone has been through the process of getting permission from the choice university, or will they flat out deny approval. I've sent a request to the university and hope to hear back soon, but wanted to see the forum's take on it.

I won't be making a profit on the item, nor do I plan to produce it again. Just wanting your thoughts.

[wildrose]

My thoughts:

I live very close to Virginia Tech. The amount of Hokie stuff around here is mind blowing. I have made ALOT of things in Tech colors (maroon/orange) and nobody has said beans to me. If someone approached me wanting something (i.e. a folio) with the Tech logo on it (a slanted VT), I'd do it in a heartbeat. And I wouldn't check either. Same with Radford University (red/white). Now would I produce, say a bunch of keyrings for sale at events with either RU or VT on it?...no. That would be pushing the envelope a bit too much.

[Russ]

I've had requests for University (and other copyrighted) stuff in both my side businesses, leatherworking and embroidery. I've been through the licensing process for the embroidery work for high schools, as it's pretty easy to find the right person to get permission, but with the universities around me, it was too expensive....licensing rights are expensive. Personally, once I went from hobby to business, I've been a lot more careful and have refused to put copyrighted stuff on either cloth or leather, no matter how small the item. Chances of getting caught are mighty slim, yes......but so is almost everything that's illegal. Still not worth it.

PS: Rose, my Bearcats are gonna whup those Hokies at the Orange Bowl! And I'll be wearing officially licensed UC stuff

Edited December 11, 2008 by Russ

[Luke Hatley]

This has came up before, make one or a few ,no problem, make a lot of them sell everywhere

make a lot of $$$ you will get caught and will have to pay the Piper...

Edited December 11, 2008 by Luke Hatley

[CitizenKate]

I have worked with K-State to obtain permission to reproduce their logos and trademarks.

You can work through a national collegiate licensing organization to get permission to sell products containing licenses for any college or university. There is time and money involved in that route, but will open the door to all schools. Or you can work through an individual school to obtain licensing to produce and sell items withe their trademarks. I have some information about the national organizations to work with... I'll have to look it up and provide it later, if you're interested.

Individual schools will each have their own channels for approval, but they are usually interested in working with people who make items with their logos. My suggestion is to find a local retailer who already deals in licensed items for the school you are interested in. If you can interest them in your items, they will show you and/or help you pull the ropes to get you in the door.

Kate

[Rayban]

I would echo what Luke has said....besides, you could have finished the project b4 you hear back from them.....

[Rawhide]

Kate

I agree with obtaining permission, which is why I asked the university for permission. However, I'm not trying to do business with them, or continually offer a product with their logo.

I'm planning on producing a one time, gift. I still think it's better to get the permission than to pay for it later. I wonder how much a license costs in this case? Oh well, I'll wait to hear from them.

Luke/Ray

I've got a pm from someone that mentioned a person they knew used a NASCAR logo, and only once and it cost that person over 3 grand in court fees, and penalties. I don't think the purse is worth 3 grand nor me in a cell with a guy named Bubba.

[Rayban]

Kate

I agree with obtaining permission, which is why I asked the university for permission. However, I'm not trying to do business with them, or continually offer a product with their logo.

I'm planning on producing a one time, gift. I still think it's better to get the permission than to pay for it later. I wonder how much a license costs in this case? Oh well, I'll wait to hear from them.

Luke/Ray

I've got a pm from someone that mentioned a person they knew used a NASCAR logo, and only once and it cost that person over 3 grand in court fees, and penalties. I don't think the purse is worth 3 grand nor me in a cell with a guy named Bubba.

That seems like an awful small fish in a very large pond to be suing over.....I refuse to believe that an organization would go that far without at first issuing a cease and desist type of letter. Sorry, I just don't believe a judge in his/her right mind would even entertain hearing such a case.

[Rawhide]

That seems like an awful small fish in a very large pond to be suing over.....I refuse to believe that an organization would go that far without at first issuing a cease and desist type of letter. Sorry, I just don't believe a judge in his/her right mind would even entertain hearing such a case.

Rayban,

I don't have any proof of this issue, it was just told to me. I kind of think the same way that they'd be wasting time doing that, BUT I'd rather not be the example made of and the consequences that could ensue. I could be the straw that breaks the back, you know. Plus, more judges are hearing such cases everyday. Do you think it's worth the cost for RIAA to sue 20 people out of the millions that upload pirated music....no, but they did, just to try and make an example that no matter how small you are, you can be held liable.

[wildrose]

You can dream!

LOL!

PS: Rose, my Bearcats are gonna whup those Hokies at the Orange Bowl! And I'll be wearing officially licensed UC stuff