Frequently Asked Questions
Washington State University administers a trademark licensing program designed to provide manufacturers with the ability to create products featuring University logos and graphic marks while also ensuring that the institution’s reputation, image, and brand identity are presented appropriately.
The Trademark Licensing office in Pullman coordinates and reviews requests to apply the University’s identity to products. Revenues generated through the sales of licensed merchandise support Washington State University programs and services.
What qualifies as a trademark?
Any mark, logo, symbol, artwork, nickname, letter(s), word(s), or combination of these that can be associated with the University qualifies as a trademark. A list of many, but not all, of the WSU trademarks are located here.
What products can be licensed?

Who needs a license?
Anyone who plans to apply the marks, logos, artwork, or symbols of Washington State University to any product or if one plans to use the marks to promote a product or service must obtain a license from the WSU Trademark Licensing office. Failure to obtain a license or approval is grounds for the seizure of all non-approved merchandise bearing the University’s marks.
IMPORTANT: Criminal penalties for misuse of trademarks are provided for in Washington RCW 9.16.035 and may range from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony.
Can you sell a product to a retailer?
Can an alumni, campus departments or student group sell products using the University’s marks as a fundraiser?
What about using the University’s name or logo on a web site?
Who is responsible for the program?
For more information about the University’s trademark licensing program, contact:
Alyce Anderson – Program Administrative Manager Trademark Licensing ProgramPhone: 509-335-2202
aanderson@wsu.edu Jeremy Foss – Program Assistant Trademark Licensing Program
Phone: 509-335-7143
jjfoss@wsu.edu
PO Box 641045
Pullman, WA 99164-1045
How can I obtain a license application?
WHO OR What is the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC)?
The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) is the licensing agency hired by Washington State University to assist in administering the licensing program, including processing applications, collecting royalties, assistance in enforcing trademarks, and helping to pursue new market opportunities for the University. Art approvals and requests are filtered through WSU’s Trademark office for review and final decisions.

Who is licensed with the University?
There are close to 350 licensees. It is typically much easier to work with an established University licensee than to try and license a new product or idea. A list of current approved licensees is available at https://trademarks.wsu.edu/licensed-vendors/ WSU and CLC can provide you with information on products produced by all licensees so you can match your needs with the best company. To search for licensed Washington State University products, use the CLC Search.
The “Officially Licensed Collegiate Products” hologram label identifies merchandise that has passed the standards of quality set forth by WSU and ensures that a portion is returned to Washington State University.
