University of Southern California

Trademarks and Licensing

Licensee Resources

Accessing USC Graphics

Active licensees in good standing are able to access USC graphics for download via Trademarx online. If you need assistance with accessing the site, please contact us.

Artwork Submissions and Reviews

All licensee product designs must be submitted for review and approval prior to production, marketing or sales activities can begin. All product designs must be submitted through Trademarx online. It is essential that licensees follow this direction to ensure that USC trademarks are being used properly. In turn, we strive to review all artwork designs within five (5) business days. Licensees should account for this review process when developing production schedules.

Royalties

Royalty reports and payments are due on a quarterly schedule. The due date for royalty payments is no later than 30 days following the last day of a calendar quarter. All licensees are required to submit royalty reports even if no sales took place during a given quarter. At the end of each quarter, licensees will receive notification along with a royalty reporting form. If you do not receive notification, please contact us. The royalty reporting schedule is as follows:

Quarters Reporting Period Due Date
1st January 1 - March 31 April 30
2nd April 1 - June 30 July 31
3rd July 1 - September 30 October 31
4th October 1 - December 31 January 31

Product Labeling

Licensees are required to identify their company name and/or brand names on product. The licensee’s marks are to be permanently affixed to the licensed product in a recognized method (e.g. screenprinted, sewn-in label, stitched patch). The licensee’s marks should not be placed in close proximity to or overshadow the USC trademarks.

CLPA Authentication Program

The Collegiate Licensing Product Association (CLPA) is a non-profit organization consisting of independent colleges and universities and with those institutions with licensing programs managed by the Licensing Resource Group (LRG). USC is an active CLPA member and requires licensee's to utilize the CLPA Authentication Program. This is designed to protect legitimate licensees from unlicensed and counterfeit products. Licensees are required to affix either a holographic CLPA hangtag or sticker to each licensed product or product packaging. For more information about the CLPA Authentication program, including ordering instructions, please see CLPA Information Packet.

Social Responsibility

Please refer to the Social Responsibility section and USC Licensee Social Compliance Manual (PDF) for information on licensee requirements and expectations.

Contact

USC Trademarks and Licensing
CAL Building, 138-5
3434 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2817
Phone: (213) 740-5222
Fax: (213) 740-9365
Email: trdmarks@usc.edu