Brand Guidelines
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a unique identification used to distinguish products and services from other organizations or competitors. It may be a symbol, a design, or a word. An officially registered trademark is protected by law ans restricts the use of the trademark to its owner. Trademarks also provide consumer protection, helping identify and promote legitimate products of the organization.
Licensing with WIU
University Marketing oversees, the trademark and licensing process at WIU. We are represented by the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) to handle and coordinate all requests for licensing. If you are interested in obtaining a license to produce WIU merchandise, you can contact CLC to get an application.
WIU’s licensing program has around 200 companies licensed to produce various products. We encourage new and exciting products to add to our assortment of licensed products and welcome you to contact us to answer any questions you may have or go directly to CLC's website to download an application.
We also offer a Community Connect License that is intended for small business owners.
Become a Licensed Vendor
The WIU Trademark Licensing Program is administered by the Trademark Licensing Administrator in the office of University Marketing. All vendors who apply a WIU trademark (logos, and/or word marks: Western Illinois University, Leathernecks, WIU) must be a registered licensee through the University's trademark licensing partner, CLC. For more information on ordering licensed WIU products to promote your organization, department, or event or to become a licensed vendor, call (309) 298-1993 or email marketing@wiu.edu . Approval for the use of WIU trademarks will not be granted to vendors not licensed through CLC.
Vendor List
Please follow the steps below to search for approved vendors.
- Visit https://clc.com/license-search/
- Step 1: DO NOT SELECT PRODUCT
- Step 2: Type Western Illinois University
- Step 3: Click the Search Button
- Approved vendors along with contact information will be listed.
Art Sheets
CLC Community Connect
CLC Community Connect has been created to offer a management solution for our partner institutions to effectively engage with campus community members outside of the standard licensing program. The program enables licensing directors to customize the licensing requirements for Community Connect licensees, including the annual fees assessed and whether to require the use of hologram labels or provide a certificate of license.
How does CLC work?
Participating institutions will have access to a digital toolbox that Community Connect licensees will use to submit artwork, report sales, pay annual fees, and manage their agreements. All artwork, royalty reports, and agreements will be archived in the system. Each individual institution sets the annual fee for licensees. A CLC staff member will be available to help onboard licensees, conduct platform management, and answer questions from licensees and institutions.
What qualifies for CLC?
Community Connect licensees may produce 500 units or less during a contract year with sales not exceeding $2,500. Licensees that will exceed these limits should apply for a CLC Retail License. Distribution is limited to direct-to-consumer sales. This program will also provide flexibility for companies that have executed a one-time agreement through CLC and have a reorder. Licensees with a reorder meeting the parameters of Community Connect will be able to transition into a participating institution’s Community Connect program. Otherwise, these companies would need to apply for a CLC Retail License.
How much does CLC cost?
Participation in the Community Connect program is available for an annual fee of $50.
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