Licensing and RSOs

If your RSO wishes to create any merchandise that utilizes the university brand or would be distributed in connection with the university brand, such as selling through a university affiliated social media account, there are a few processes you will need to follow.

1. Be a Registered Student Organization. As of 9/1/2023, a law was created that impacts the way students can access and interact with the brand of public Ohio institutions.  For more information, please reach out to the Center for Student Involvement (CSI).
2. Complete the University Name, Brand, & Logos forms through the Center for Student Involvement (see CSI forms).
   1. Once of these forms requires approval, two of these forms just need to be completed. If you have any questions regarding these forms, please reach out to CSI directly as they manage these forms.
3. Figure out the goals of the item(s) and the payment method. There are specific pathways RSOs are able to request use of brand on merchandise that are decided by payment method and use. Some examples are listed below:
   1. Required Uniforms/Jerseys that would be paid for with university funds.
      1. Please follow the pathway outlined under University Funds.
      2. Sometime exceptions are made for this category as these items are often specialty gear required to compete. Please explain what your club requires including technical specifications.
         1.  Please note exceptions are not the rule and only occur after all the vendors have confirmed they are unable to meet the stated needs of the item.
   2. Required Uniforms/Jerseys that would be paid for with personal funds.
      1. Please follow the pathway outlined under Personal Funds.
      2.  Sometime exceptions are made for this category as these items are often specialty gear required to compete. Please explain what your club requires including technical specifications.
         1.  Please note exceptions are not the rule and only occur after all the vendors have confirmed they are unable to meet the stated needs of the item.
   3.  Spirit Wear/Merchandise that would be paid for with university funds.
      1. Please follow the pathway outlined under University Funds.
   4. Spirit Wear/Merchandise that would be paid for with non-university funds.
      1. Please follow the pathway outlined under Personal Funds.

Registered Student Groups who have completed their CSI forms are able to use some University marks to represent their club. When they wish to use them on products (apparel, non-apparel) they must work with the Office of Trademarks Licensing and Brand Engagement to obtain approval prior to the creation of products.  Please review the Brand Guide and Artwork Do's and Don'ts for more information. 

Is your registered student organization interested in partnering with an outside company or organization? The university defines these associations as sponsorships. Unlike donations, these relationships can have defined deliverables such as website logo placements, on campus activations, or social media recognition.  Sponsorship activity needs to be reviewed by the Sponsorship Committee prior to any activation. Please review the sponsorship request policy and request form. 

RSOs are not permitted to sell university branded items to raise funds. Reasons include not being able to collect or report sales tax, not having a vending permit, and the interference with the University's contract with Follett. If your RSO is looking to raise funds, please efer to the sales and soliciation policy for more information on this process. If you have questions about fundraising please contact the Center for Student Involvement or work with the Foundation. If your RSO would like to pursue sponsorships as a way to gain funds for your RSO, please review the sponsorship information linked above.