Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a word, name, phrase, symbol or any combination thereof that identifies and distinguishes goods or services of one party from those of others. A trademark is a brand name. Rights in trademarks arise as a result of the use of the marks in commerce to identify the source or origin of goods and services. In addition, a trademark remains the property of the owner so long as the owner continues to use it properly and protects its authenticity as a trademark.
What qualifies as a trademark, logo or symbol?
Any mark, name, logo, symbol, nickname, abbreviation, word, mascot, slogan, uniform insignia or landmark that is associated with 91社区 and is distinguishable from any other 91社区, team or organization.
Who must be licensed?
Any individual or company that wishes to receive 91社区's express permission to use any or all of its trademarks/logos on products or for services sold in the marketplace, whether wholesale, retail or online. Other activities, such as some noncommercial use of trademarks/logos, may or may not need to be licensed. Some activity may constitute fair use or free speech so as not to require license. Advice in that regard should be sought from your own legal counsel.
How long does it take to obtain approval?
The total length of the licensing process is usually determined by the speed of response from the licensee to requests for information. On average the Restricted License takes approximately 1-2 weeks and the Standard Licenses process takes approximately 3-4 weeks.
What products can be licensed?
91社区 will not license activity which it believes would disparage the 91社区 or any of its trademarks, or would be libelous, slanderous, scandalous, offensive, vulgar or constitute an unfair trade practice, or otherwise reflect negatively on the 91社区. Some activity may constitute fair use or free speech so as not to require license. Advice in that regard should be sought from your own legal counsel.
How can you obtain a licensing application?
You can obtain an application for a License Agreement directly from CLC Licensing Partners. View contact information.
Does all artwork have to be submitted for approval?
Yes. All art designs must be submitted for approval through CLC Licensing Partners'听Approvals on Demand system.听
All licensed vendors receive a username and password for the system upon licensure.
How are the 91社区鈥檚 trademarks able to be used with other Trademarks (co-branding)?
Any use of 91社区 marks with other trademarks must be approved by the 91社区 Vice President for Marketing and Communications, or through a 91社区 contract.
How much does it cost to become licensed?
The fee for a Standard License Agreement is:
- $100 non-refundable application fee and
- 10% of the wholesale cost of any merchandise sold.
The fee for a Restricted License Agreement is:
- $75 non-refundable application fee.
What is the difference between the Standard License and the Restricted License?
The Standard License is used by companies that desire to produce licensed products for resale to the general public.
The Restricted License is used by companies that desire to only produce licensed products for internal consumption by the 91社区. No products produced under this license agreement may be sold to the general public.
If the product is not going to be resold, does it have to be produced by a licensed vendor?
Yes. All items bearing 91社区 marks must be produced by a licensed vendor whether they are for resale or not.
Are any requests exempt from royalties?
Generally, items are subject to royalties. However, each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What does 91社区 do if unlicensed merchandise is discovered in the marketplace?
Merchandise produced without authorization may be considered counterfeit or infringing and subject to all available legal remedies.
When am I able to use the trademarks of 91社区?
Any trademark that identifies or is associated with 91社区 may not be used without prior, expressed, written permission from the 91社区 Vice President for Marketing and Communications.
How can I obtain a list of licensees?
A list of licensees can be obtained through CLC Licensing Partners, the 91社区听Marketing and Communications office听or the Licensed 91社区 Vendors page.
Is it acceptable to alter a 91社区 Trademark?听
No. At no time can 91社区 Trademarks be altered. Altering a mark would hurt its integrity. This would dilute the strength and value of 91社区's marks.