91´óÉñ

Trademarks and Licensing 

91´óÉñ’s visual language is an expression of our institutional brand. Consistent representation of this visual language helps create name recognition, a fundamental element of 91´óÉñ’s identity and reputation. 91´óÉñ's primary logo, all departmental logos, the 91´óÉñ seal and all logos and wordmarks associated with 91´óÉñ Athletics are subject to trademark.

Licensing Program

91´óÉñ’s licensing program was developed as a key component of the College’s overall branding efforts. The program manages the presentation of the brand, which includes all use of trademarks and references that are associated with 91´óÉñ. The program helps protect, promote, and support 91´óÉñ’s position and reputation as a top liberal arts college.

Any vendor or crafter creating apparel and merchandise displaying 91´óÉñ’s protected name and/or trademarks must be approved as an official licensee and pay the initial licensing fee. This includes items produced for on-campus departments, student organizations, or for third-party vendors to sell online or in-store.

Licensed vendors producing apparel and merchandise for resale will be required to pay a royalty fee to use any of the College’s protected names and marks. Merchandise created for 91´óÉñ departments or organizations is not subject to the royalty fee unless they will be re-sold at a profit (please see the exceptions for organizational fundraisers).

All artwork, including apparel and merchandise for internal use, must go through the appropriate approval process before being produced. Except in rare cases, artwork will be approved within three business days. The Office of Communications and Marketing manages 91´óÉñ’s licensing program. If you have questions, please contact Communications and Marketing.

Items for Internal Use Are Exempt from Royalties

Merchandise being produced for official use by internal departments, offices, and student organizations is not subject to a royalty fee except in instances where the merchandise is being resold. The single exception is for items for resale by 91´óÉñ Registered Student Organizations, Student Educational Policy Committees (SEPCs) or Student Athlete Organizations to support student programs, subject to approval by the Director of Athletics or the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Communications and Marketing.

When ordering branded items for internal use or promotions or that are exempt from royalties under this policy, 91´óÉñ departments should clearly mark orders NOT FOR RESALE and check invoices to ensure that vendors are not passing along royalty charges.

All vendors that wish to utilize the 91´óÉñ trademarks on branded goods are required to hold a license with the institution. 91´óÉñ has partnered with Nexus Licensing Group to support the management of all institutional marks and references.

Become An Official Licensee

As of July 1, 2025, 91´óÉñ’s licensing administration partner is Nexus Licensing Group. Begin the application process to become an official licensee. Please note that this process can take up to a week.

For vendors with questions about the process, please contact Nicole Bevington, director of licensing operations at Nexus Licensing Group.

For 91´óÉñ departments and organizations with questions about the process, please view the Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Royalty-Bearing Items

Any branded item that will be resold (with the exception of items sold by 91´óÉñ Registered Student Organizations or Student Athlete Organizations, with approval of the Director of Athletics, to support student programs) will be subject to royalties.

91´óÉñ has partnered with Nexus Licensing Group to offer flexible licensing options:

The Standard License is the most extensive kind of license offered enables a company to manufacture and distribute products bearing 91´óÉñ trademarks across various retail channels, including brick-and-mortar, direct-to-consumer, and online marketplaces. A standard license can extend into additional types such as

• Single Use Agreements: authorizes a company for one-time use of a 91´óÉñ trademark
• Promotional Use Agreements: authorizes a trademark to be used by a company or sponsor that has a contractual relationship with 91´óÉñ for promotional purposes
• Crafter’s Agreements: a tailored agreement for individuals producing handcrafted items for resale that include the 91´óÉñ trademarks that is designed to provide an affordable option for artists, crafters, and artisans selling in-person or online through direct-to-consumer platforms. This license includes a flat fee and has to be renewed annually (July 1–June 30). Products and designs are subject to approval and must abide by the College’s brand guidelines.

State of Iowa License Plate

Iowa residents may order from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

College and Departmental Logos

If your department is in need of a departmental mark or if you have questions about what marks are available for your use, or if your department needs digital or print letterhead, please reach out to Communications and Marketing. More information for internal partners may be found on the (log-in required).