[WTC]

Question for you guys:

I am a printer in Ann Arbor, and as such, do a ton of work for local student groups at UM. I've heard a lot of info both ways regarding printing Michigan's Block M (trademarked). I am NOT trying to print these for retail, and understand I'd need licensing to do that.

But if, for example, the Naval ROTC program comes to me and says "we'd like to have the block M put on t-shirts with "Naval ROTC" underneath," do I really need to get permission from the University to do so? This is an officially affiliated program, with an authorized rep contacting me. I feel like if I do need to get licensing, then why should I be able to print for any company without getting licensed (i.e. if the local Dominoes chain wanted worker shirts, shouldn't I have to get permission from Dominoes' corporate before using their logo)?

I have the gut feeling that I'm in the right here, but don't know my @SS from a hole in the ground when it comes to IP.

Any help from people who know what they are talking about is appreciated!

Jerry

 

[kimura-mma]

Hey Jerry.

Technically, any unauthorized reproduction of registered trademarks would be considered infringement and could potentially get you sued. So it's probably a good idea to get things figured out.

If you want to deal with this on a case-by-case basis, then you should start requiring each of your customers to provide written authorization for the use of the registered mark. If they are affiliated with an organization that is allowed to use the logo, then it shouldn't be a problem. If they cannot provide authorization, then you should not print the logo for them.

If you want to be licensed yourself, then you need to go direct to the university. Normally, licensing would go through the CLC. But since you don't want to sell at retail, you may be able to get permission direct from UM. I don't know what the cost would be or what guidelines or limitations would exist regarding your range of usage. It's best to contact the school and get proper info.

Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[Tamashii]

you gotta get licensed and pay royalties. it kinda sucks :x

it also seems like a niche market already filled. i delved into this idea for two weeks before abandoning it (for now.)

 

[kimura-mma]

you gotta get licensed and pay royalties.

It definitely takes permission to reproduce a trademarked logo, but there may not necessarily be royalties involved. There are different types of licenses and each is structured differently.

The OP is not looking to sell fan driven product to retailers or consumers. They are looking to sell print services to clients they believe are officially affiliated with the school and are possibly authorized to use the trademarked logo. Big difference between the two scenarios, so assuming royalties will be required is a little off base.

 

[Tamashii]

I understand. Personally approached these organizations (aka fraternities, fbla, key club) specifically mentioning the objective and its difference, and they've given me the same reply: register.

It's possible that they don't understand the difference.

Anyone else have some firsthand results?

 

[Dante2004]

Long time ago I coached a club team at the local university. We were able to use the school's logo on our jerseys (which I had printed at a local shop). Since the organization was officially affiliated with the school, there was a formal, but relatively painless process to go through. The team captain got a form from the sports club office which authorized the print company to use the logo. They even gave it to us in vector format to use.

You may also need to get the permission of the DOD branch that the ROTC is affiliated with since you are using their name also...?

Of course all schools vary...

Does bring up an interesting point -although already argued to death. How do you trademark a letter?!? lol

 

[kimura-mma]

How do you trademark a letter?!?

In most cases, you can't.

For instance, most MLB hat logos are just a stylized letter. When you see those logos on official merchandise, they are usually marked with a ™ and not a ® because they are not actually federally registered.

But that doesn't really change anything regarding the league's ownership and legal recourse of the mark. It is obvious the league claims ownership and they can certainly prove usage.

 

[WTC]

Thanks to everyone. I really appreciate the responses. I think we are going to tip-toe along with this. I'm banking on a cease and desist rather than a lawsuit if we get into trouble, and will roll the dice until that happens!

 

[Dante2004]

Have them sign a contract stating that they have been given permission by the University to use the logo. Even if they haven't...it might save your *** down the road.

 

[PrintMonkey]

What you want to do is become a approved vendor.
Might be nothing more then some paper work.
Most of the info you seek is on the University of Michigan website.
University of Michigan Official Athletic Site
University of Michigan Identity Guidelines

Just about all of the Universities have the info posted but some you will have to
drill deep to get the info.
Best place to start is the Athletics departments as most of the revenue from licensed merchandise is used to fund the Athletics department.

 

[freebird1963]

The Dominos thing intrigues me cuz my wife works there and as far as she told me all Dominos work and shirts/uniforms and caps are suppose to come from Dominos themselves. I wanted to print their stuff but was told no has to come from Dominos. Dominos controls everything the franchisees do.

I did some softball shirts for a large BBQ restrauant and the local owner had to contact the HQ and then they sent me the artwork to be used. I inquired about the little circle R and was told it was to remain on it the design. No alterations allowed to it.