College Rolls out New Process for Logo Approval and Licensing

Grinnell College is rolling out a new process for logo approval and licensing, partnering with Nexus Licensing Group to streamline approval for the College’s trademarks through use of a rapid, online approval process for vendors and departments. Nexus will work closely with the Office of Communications and Marketing, Grinnell College Athletics, the Pioneer Bookshop and the College’s existing vendors to approve designs and protect the use of the College’s trademarks.

In recent years, the lack of trademark enforcement has enabled for-profit businesses, including some located outside of the United States, to profit from the use of Grinnell College’s name and marks without being subject to any quality, ethical sourcing, or labor standards. Grinnell’s partnership with Nexus Licensing Group assists the College with:

• Protection against any misuse of Grinnell College trademarks.
• Quality control over products and design.
• Assurance that items bearing the Grinnell College trademarks are produced ethically (e.g. using licensees affiliated with the Fair Labor Association or those that are certified by other groups that monitor environmental, sustainability, and labor standards).
• Reserving athletic uniform designs for Grinnell student-athletes only.
• Streamline the approval process for promotional items.
• Provide access to a broader array of vendors.

“Licensing the College’s marks helps protect, promote, and support Grinnell College’s position and reputation as a top liberal arts college,” says Ellen de Graffenreid, vice president of communications and marketing. “Our partnership with Nexus exempts items for internal use from royalties. Items such as giveaways are not subject to any additional fee. It will also help Grinnell continue to ensure that all branded items are ethically sourced and produced by carrying out due diligence on the College’s behalf.”

“We value the support for Grinnell College in the local community, and this program provides an easy and affordable option for small businesses, crafters, and artists to obtain a license to use Grinnell’s logos,” she adds.

In most cases, students, faculty, and staff ordering promotional items will see little to no change in the ordering process.  Licenses can be obtained within 3-5 business days and design approval within 2-3 business days. Invoices for items for internal use, athletics, and student organizations should be labeled “not for resale.” It is important to note that Grinnell College policy prohibits fundraising by registered student organizations and SEPCs, except as permitted by the College's crowdfunding policy, and prohibits reselling of items purchased with revenue from student activity fees.

As Grinnell College is a not-for-profit organization, all proceeds from licensing royalties on resale items will be used to support the College’s mission.

A series of office hours on this topic will be announced in the Campus Memo (in partnership with the Bookstore, DSA/SGA, Athletics, Academic Support, and DAR) as we finalize timing for Nexus representatives to visit campus in early September.

For more information, visit the Trademarks and Licensing web pages.