Until now, there has been nothing to prevent anyone from selling products using Ithaca College’s good name and reputation. We were a rarity in higher education in that we had no way to protect the rights to the commercial use of our names. To remedy that concern, the college has instituted a trademark and licensing program.
With the launch of the program on July 28, both on-campus and off-campus organizations will need approval before placing the college’s name, logo, nickname, or other distinguishing mark on any product. This program is a critical component of our overall branding initiative, as Ithaca College seeks to ensure the high quality and consistent standard of excellence for which we are known.
Through the use of trademarks and right of first use, the College has protected the terms “Ithaca College,” “IC, “IC Bombers,” and “Bombers.” Only approved licensees will be able to produce, display, and distribute merchandise bearing those terms.
While anyone using one of our protected terms (using official logos or not) must do so through a vendor that is an approved licensee, only external organizations and businesses will be required to pay a royalty fee. Ithaca College departments, programs, and units, including recognized student organizations, will be exempt from royalties.
The college has partnered with an experienced firm, Strategic Marketing Affiliates, to assist in the management of the trademark and licensing program. SMA is responsible for processing license applications, coordinating artwork approvals, collecting royalty payments, and enforcing trademark infractions. Brian Young, a 2002 IC graduate, is our SMA account representative.
Representatives from administrative and academic units from across the campus have been invited to learn more about the trademark and licensing program at an information session scheduled for 9-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, in Textor 101. Young will be joined by staff of the Office of Marketing Communications to discuss and answer questions about the program. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend. Additional information sessions will be scheduled in the fall semester.
It is recommended that the Ithaca College community go through the Bookstore to produce or purchase merchandise, as the Bookstore already has an established list of vendors who have been licensed by SMA.
We recognize that there will be a bit of a learning curve for the campus community as we all learn when and how to apply the trademark and licensing policy, but are committing to making this a smooth transition. The Office of Marketing Communications will be creating a website with information on how to become a licensee, a set of identity standards, and other resources. We also stand ready to answer questions and assist the campus in helping to ensure a smooth transition.
In the meantime, to learn more about Strategic Marketing Affiliates and higher education licensing, visit http://www.smaworks.com.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20110724175349386