Apply to be a Vendor

The SDSU Trademarks and Licensing Program is charged with:

• Protecting and controlling use of the university name and marks
• Developing cooperative relationships with licensees
• Distribution and approval of artwork
• Promotion of products and designs that are consistent with the university’s image reputation and goals
• Supporting the university’s strategic branding plan

Any company producing products bearing the logos, trademarks, word marks or having an implied association with South Dakota State University must be licensed with the SDSU (represented by CLC), which approves all products and designs and ensures proper labeling as appropriate. In addition, the SDSU Trademarks and Licensing Program seeks to ensure that all products and designs submitted for licensing are safe for consumers and project the proper image of the university. The South Dakota State University Trademark Licensing Program receives a 12% royalty on the wholesale cost of the licensed merchandise that is sold. The 1881 Vintage line requires a separate license and carries a 15% royalty.

One of the most important functions of the SDSU Trademarks and Licensing Program is to protect SDSU’s legal interests in its registered trademarks. State and federal laws require that SDSU actively safeguard registered trademarks from improper use in order to protect its legal ownership interest in them.

A license is required for any individual, organization or company wishing to use the university’s trademarks, word marks or logos for commercial use. The SDSU Trademarks and Licensing Program must approve all commercial uses prior to production and sale of products. Licensing agreements cannot be transferred.

The licensing application will now cover two license types – retail and internal. Retail licenses are for companies that want to sell products to retail outlets. Internal licenses are for companies that only distribute to campus departments or organizations with no retail sales. Both license types can cover one or multiple institutions and both types require royalty payments.

• Internal Licenses: $250 nonrefundable application fee; no first-year administration fee; 12% on all sales.
• Retail – Single Institution: $250 nonrefundable application fee; no first-year administration fee; 12% on all sales.
• Retail – Multiple Institutions: $500 nonrefundable application fee; no first-year administration fee for one school; $125 first-year administration fee per approved school (2 to 25 schools); 12% on all sales.

All manufacturers must have permission to use the South Dakota State University logo and trademarks. Apply for an SDSU license. For questions, email Collegiate Licensing Company. The South Dakota State University Trademark Licensing Program receives a 12% royalty on the wholesale cost of the licensed merchandise that is sold.

The university also offers a Crafter's Licensing Agreement called Community Connect, which allows independent artisans to participate in South Dakota State's Trademarks and Licensing Program by legally producing products adorned with the university's marks and names. Through this program, crafters enter into a simple contract with SDSU (through CLC) that grants permission to individuals to produce products displaying SDSU trademarks and sell those products at craft shows, Facebook Marketplace and Etsy. Individuals with a Crafter's Licensing Agreement are not permitted to sell South Dakota State University crafts in any retail venue. Individuals selling outside of a craft show, Facebook Marketplace or Etsy ;must apply for the standard South Dakota State University license.

Under the Community Connect program, annual sales are not to exceed $2,500 and are limited to a maximum of 500 units per year. No sales will be permitted on a wholesale basis or to a third party vendor. A $200 annual fee and samples of any items being produced are required. If sales are equal to or exceed $2,500, the licensee will be required to have a Standard Licensing Agreement. A Community Connect License is exempt from royalty fees. Apply to the Community Connect program.

All merchandise bearing South Dakota State University trademarks and logos must be approved by the SDSU Trademarks and Licensing Program and must be produced by officially licensed vendors. No retail outlet or vendors are exempt, including the SDSU Bookstore, Jackrabbit Central, any approved SDSU online merchandisers and SDSU-recognized student groups and university departments/organizations, including the SDSU Alumni Association and SDSU Foundation. No promotional, corporate or departmental merchandise bearing SDSU logos or trademarks are exempt. This includes items for sports camps, fundraisers, golf outings, parents groups, Letterwinners Club and the Jackrabbit Club. In addition, all vendors and groups must have their artwork approved prior to production.

Royalties are paid on all items (including those for internal consumption), unless exempted through the university’s trademark and licensing waiver process.

South Dakota State University will consider numerous products for the licensing program. However, SDSU will not allow the use of university trademarks or logos in conjunction with or making reference to:

• Alcoholic beverages, consumption and/or abuse
• Tobacco products and usage
• Drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Dangerous products such as firearms, explosives and petroleum-based fuels
• Obscene or disparaging products including, but not limited to, caricature poster art or designs that could degrade the university’s reputation
• Sexually suggestive products, conduct or imagery including but not limited to, inappropriate slogans printed on clothing, or the configuration of certain novelty items
• Health-related products
• Gambling
• Political and religious endorsement
• Vulgar language
• Any product that bears SDSU trademarks and/or logos that are deemed by the university to be unacceptable or inappropriate.

The SDSU Trademarks and Licensing Program must obtain approval from any other institution or organization whose logos and/or trademarks are used in conjunction with the logos and trademarks of SDSU. Co-licensing typically results in higher overall royalties.

Individuals or entities that contract with SDSU for goods or services that request permission to use SDSU logos, trademarks and word marks to imply or explicitly state a relationship or partnership with SDSU must make the request through SDSU University Marketing and Communications in writing. No individual or entity is allowed to use the logos, trademarks and word marks to imply an endorsement of their goods or services by virtue of their contract with SDSU.

South Dakota State University has a deep respect for the intrinsic value of each human being and a steadfast commitment to promoting and protecting human rights on its Brookings, South Dakota campus, in its surrounding community and beyond. For this reason, SDSU shall engage in business practices that affect positive change in human working conditions domestically and abroad. SDSU therefore requires all of its standard and limited licensees to conduct business in such a way that will not benefit from the gross exploitation of U.S. or international labor. All licensees are required to become a member of the Fair Labor Association.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Manufacturers will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including local and national codes, rules and regulations, applicable treaties and industry standards. Additionally, manufacturers must comply with the Manufacturer Code of Conduct.

Safety and Health
Conditions in all work and residential facilities provided by the manufacturer must be safe, clean and consistent with all applicable laws and regulations; ensuring reasonable access to clean water and sanitary facilities, fire safety and adequate ventilation.

Child Labor
Manufacturers will not use child labor. No worker shall be employed under the age of 15 (or 14 where local law allows), or under the age of completion of compulsory education, or under local legal minimum age for employment.

Forced Labor
The use of forced or involuntary labor is not permitted.

Coercion and Harassment
Manufacturers shall ensure that no worker is subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.

Discrimination
Discrimination in hiring and employment practices, including working conditions, job assignments, salary, benefits, promotions, discipline, termination or retirement on the basis of gender, race, ethnic or social origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, political opinion or disability is prohibited.

Working Hours
Except in extraordinary business circumstances, workers shall not be required to work more than the legally prescribed limits, or 60 hours per week. One day off in every seven-day period shall be provided. Manufacturers will comply with applicable laws that entitle workers to vacation time, leave periods and holidays.

Compensation
Wages are essential to meeting employees’ basic needs. Manufacturers will compensate employees by providing wages, including overtime hours at such premium rates as is legally required. In situations where legal minimum wage does not cover a decent living, vendors are encouraged to provide more adequate compensation to meet basic needs. Manufacturers will provide employee benefits in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Environmental Compliance
Manufacturers must comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. We encourage our manufacturers to minimize their impact on the environment by striving to reduce waste, energy use and emissions to air, ground and water; handle, store and dispose of materials in an environmentally safe manner; pursue factory recycling and reuse initiatives; and implement environmentally friendly technologies.

Publication
Code of Conduct must be communicated to all employees. Code of Conduct is to be prominently posted, in the local language, ensuring that it is readily accessible to employees at all times.

South Dakota State University is a member of the Collegiate Licensed Properties Association (CLPA). It is a requirement that licensed vendors use the Collegiate Licensed Product label on all merchandise bearing SDSU logos, trademarks and word marks. You may email email CLPA or visit their website for more information.