The trademark licensing program promotes and protects the Colorado Mesa University brand and ensures the public can properly identify and associate CMU’s name and logos with officially licensed products and/or communications bearing the university’s marks.
All campus departments, clubs and organizations producing products using the name or marks of Colorado Mesa University must use a vendor that is a licensee of Colorado Mesa University.
Protected university content, representing intellectual property and registered federal trademarks owned by Colorado Mesa University, includes names, logos, marks, nicknames, letter(s), word(s), seal, stories, websites, photography, videos, images and symbols. Any combination of these that can be associated with the University qualifies as a trademark and is vigorously protected by CMU.
Permission for Use of Content
Any use of the university’s content for commercial purposes or by any person or organization is prohibited without the express permission of the university. This applies to use in all forms of communication.
All individuals, third parties, entities and organizations wishing to use or reproduce university content must contact Marketing and Communications. Once approval has been given, users are forbidden to alter, distort or deface any element of the university content.
Licensing Agent
CMU has contracted with Nexus Licensing Group as its primary licensing agent. Nexus assists CMU with:
- Facilitating the license application process
- Executing the licensing agreements
- Marketing the Colorado Mesa University brand to potential manufacturers
- Monitoring the marketplace for unlicensed use of trademarks
- Collecting royalty payments
- Conducting compliance review audits of licensed manufacturers
All licensees are required to remit royalty reports and payments on a quarterly basis to Nexus, who collects these payments on behalf of CMU. Licensees should consult with Nexus at 585.433.8025 or [email protected] before the start of design projects to ensure the concept of each project adheres to Colorado Mesa University’s standards.
For more information on becoming a Colorado Mesa University Licensee or on the services Nexus provides, including a copy of the application and license agreement, visit nexuslicensinggroup.com.
Retail Development
In conjunction with Colorado Mesa, Game Changer Licensing will manage the day-to-day aspects of retail development, marketing and licensee development. Game Changer will work alongside CMU in developing an ongoing plan to create sustaining incremental revenue. Game Changer Licensing can be found at gamechangerlicensing.com.
How Can I Obtain a License?
Organizations outside the university that wish to obtain a license to produce merchandise must submit a license application. This application informs the university how its marks will be used, what type of product the applicant makes, how the university will be represented, etc. Applications can be obtained by contacting:
What Products Can Be Licensed?
Students, alumni and fans generate many great ideas for new University products. Products will be considered and must be approved by the University's Brand Manager. No products will be licensed without the approval of the Brand Manager. This ensures all products associated with the University are of high quality and good taste and, ensures the non-approval of potentially hazardous items.
Who Needs A License?
Anyone wishing to use the marks, logos and symbols of the university must obtain a license.
What If I Do Not Get A License?
All products must be approved by the University's Marketing and Communications Office. Failure to obtain a license or approval from the University's Trademark Licensing Program would be grounds for the seizure of all non-approved merchandise bearing the University's marks. It also could result in jail time and fines if convicted.
Can Alumni, Students or Booster Groups Sell Products that use The University's Marks as a Fundraiser?
Before contacting manufacturers regarding new products, designs, or an idea for a fundraiser, be sure to check with the Marketing and Communications Office. They will be able to identify local manufacturers to produce the items, saving everyone time and effort.
What About Using the University's Name or Logo on a Website?
Every use of CMU’s trademarks requires permission from the Marketing and Communications Office. The World Wide Web has made it easy for alumni, fans and supporters to build web pages with the university's name and logos, and the university appreciates this support. However, federal trademark laws require the university to control its name and marks; therefore, CMU must be very selective in granting permission in all instances. For more information, contact the University's Marketing and Communications Office.
Contacts:
Jeremy Smith, Senior Graphic Artist and Brand Manager
Colorado Mesa University
970.248.1371
[email protected]
Brian Young, Account Director
Nexus Licensing Group, LLC
617.645.7041
[email protected]
Tim Potter, Director of Retail
Game Changer Licensing
480.766.3347
[email protected]