The Crafter license is intended for individuals who handcraft items bearing Western Michigan University logos. For more information and to get started, email Alixe Holcomb.
Trademarks and Licensing
Trademarks and Licensing exists to protect and promote the marks, names and logos of Western Michigan University.
Trademarks are critical to the integrity of our brand. To protect this integrity, all products and merchandise produced using the Western Michigan University name, its logos or any other indicia with the purpose of identifying the University in whole or in part are required to be sourced and manufactured by WMU-licensed vendors. When an unlicensed vendor uses our logo on cheap merchandise or products produced in environments that do not adhere to the University’s codes of conduct, our brand value shifts accordingly. When managed appropriately, trademarks appreciate in value over time, making it easier for the University to differentiate itself from competitors, attract and retain talent, and expand services.
WMU has a zero-tolerance policy for products and merchandise manufactured in environments that do not meet the Worker Rights Consortium Code of Conduct.
Trademarks and Licensing seeks to strengthen the Western brand and avoid misrepresentations of the University to the public. Use of WMU’s trademarks and logos without permission is strictly prohibited. Western’s trademarks and logos should not be used to imply the University’s endorsement of commercial products or services, or endorsement of causes or organizations not a part of the University or part of a formal, contracted relationship.
A WMU trademark is any mark, logo, symbol, nickname, letter(s), word or derivative that can be associated with Western Michigan University and distinguished from other institutions or entities. For more information about Western Michigan University's logos, visit Our Brand.
The University takes seriously its commitment to protecting WMU trademarks and the tradition of excellence they represent. Use of any WMU trademark requires prior written consent from Western Michigan University Licensing. Western works in cooperation with CLC to enforce the University’s trademark rights. CLC works on behalf of Western Licensing to protect and grow the value of its brand, name and indicia.
Unauthorized use of WMU’s marks is illegal and a violation of the federal Lanham Trademark Act of 1946 and the federal Trademark Act of 1984. Such violations subject the violator to liability for damages, injunctive relief, attorney’s fees and other penalties—civil and criminal. Infringing merchandise is also subject to seizure.
On athletic game days, the WMU Bookstore has exclusive rights to sell WMU merchandise on campus property. Any sales from unauthorized vendors are not licensed. Please report violations to our game management staff by calling (269) 387-3120.
Any information regarding possible trademark infringement should be reported to Western Michigan University Licensing consultant Alixe Holcomb, alixe.holcomb@wmich.edu, or Rik Fitton, brand management director at CLC, (517) 204-2933 or Rik.Fitton@CLC.com.
Becoming Licensed and Trademark Information
Western Michigan University manages its licensing program in partnership with CLC.
A trademark license grants individuals, organizations or corporations the authorization to produce commercial goods or services bearing the University’s trademarks.
License fees: The University has established a standard royalty rate of 12% that will be included in the wholesale prices you charge as a licensed vendor. CLC also collects minimal annual advances from all licensees. Those advances are determined by the category of the product being licensed for production. As a licensed vendor, you are required to provide proof of insurance as specified by CLC. In addition, Western Michigan University and CLC reserve the right to create new licensing programs and fees as market trends permit.
License types: Companies asking to be licensed only for Western Michigan University may request a local or internal campus supplier license application.
The license types available are:
License types
University Units and Departments
Looking to order promotional items with Western Michigan University logos? If you’re a University unit or college, download the list of licensed vendors who are approved to create products using WMU logos for your promotional use. If you have questions, email Kim Nelson, director of University Creative Services.
Contact Us
Kim Nelson
Director of University Creative Services
Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
Alixe Holcomb
Trademarks & Licensing Consultant
(520) 360-2886