In 1987, The University of Arkansas implemented a licensing program in order to preserve the use of its emblems, logos, and verbiage. This program has helped in providing a successful relationship between the University of Arkansas, its licensees and retail partners. The U of A has partnered with The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) as its exclusive trademark-licensing representative to develop and expand the program.

What is a Trademark?
A trademark is any word, phrase, symbol, design, sound, smell, color, product configuration, group of letters or numbers, or combination of these that is adopted and used by an organization to identify its products or services, and to distinguish them from products and services made, sold, or provided by others. For an organization, a trademark is one of its most important assets. It is vital for the trademarks to be used carefully. The University of Arkansas wishes to associate its trademarks with quality products that are competitively priced.

The primary intention of marks is to prevent a consumer from being confused about the source or origin of a product or service. While consumers become acquainted with specific marks and the goods or services they represent, marks can receive a secondary indicator of quality. Marks help consumers answer the questions: “Who makes this product?” and “Who provides this service?” As consumers become familiar with particular marks and the goods or services they represent, marks can acquire a secondary meaning as indicators of quality. Most of the manufactured products that bear the U of A’s marks are not produced by the university. Within the parameters of the U of A’s licensing program, manufacturers are permitted through CLC to handle the marks and images of the University of Arkansas on a variety of goods and services, which then become available to consumers.

What are the University of Arkansas’ trademarks?
The university, like virtually all other institutions and businesses in the United States, has developed policies controlling the use of trademark verbiage and logos because these marks symbolize its purpose, values and traditions. The university owns and controls its names(s) and other marks, logos, insignias, seals, designs and symbols which include the use of, but not limited to: “UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS®”, “ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS®”,“ARKANSAS®”, “HOGS™”, “WOOO PIG SOOIE ™”, the University of Arkansas with the Old Main silhouette ®, any Razorback marks or images, and the University of Arkansas Seal. An “®” emblem must appear on all products that have the University’s registered marks and verbiage, otherwise a “™” must be present on all products pertaining to any of the University’s marks that are not registered. These marks are used for sale, promotional, and advertising purposes and are well known and recognized by the general public and associated with the University of Arkansas in the public mind.

The official mascot of The University of Arkansas is the Razorbacks.  While the official colors of the university are cardinal and white, the official colors used in the University of Arkansas logo are cardinal, white, and black (as an accent color). The official Pantone color of the Razorbacks is 200. The official name of the institution is “The University of Arkansas.” The initials UA may be used to reference the University of Arkansas.

Any reference to the University or trademarks adopted hereafter and used or approved for use by The University of Arkansas shall be subject to the policies and procedures of the Office of Trademark Licensing. Any derivations (including caricatures) of the University marks, which would cause consumers to erroneously believe that the product originated from, was or is sponsored by or authorized by the university, shall also be covered by the trademark licensing program policies and procedures.

Who is the Collegiate Licensing Company?
The University of Arkansas uses the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) as its primary licensing agent. CLC is the nation's leading collegiate trademark licensing and marketing company and is responsible for administering the licensing program, including processing applications, collecting royalties, enforcing trademarks and pursuing new market opportunities for the University.

For information on CLC's resources and services, as well as applications for becoming a licensed vendor of the University of Arkansas please contact the Collegiate Licensing Company directly:

The Collegiate Licensing Company

290 Interstate North, Suite 200

Atlanta, GA 30339

Phone – 770-956-0520

Website – CLC.com

What kinds of licenses are available?

There are several kinds of licenses available for the University of Arkansas:

• A Standard License is available to companies interested in producing University of Arkansas merchandise for distribution to the retail community.
• The Local/In-state License is an option for companies who are only interested in producing product for UA and/or other in-state universities. Companies licensed under the local/in-state agreement do not have the option of pursuing other universities outside the state of Arkansas for a period of one year. This option is recommended for new companies or companies new to licensing.
• The Restricted License (also known as Campus Supplier) is available to companies that produce product for internal university consumption only.
• The Crafter’s License is available for individuals that hand make items and sell to individual consumers only.  To be eligible, anticipated sales may not exceed 500 units or more than $2,500 in sales revenue within one year.  This license agreement is made directly through the university and is renewed annually.

What is the process to become licensed?

Step 1:
Submit a CLC license application.  A Non-refundable $500 application fee for standard licensees and $100 application fee for Local/Restricted licensees is due upon submitting the application. No additional advance or administrative fees are due at this time.

Step 2:
Send CLC samples or preliminary designs of products bearing University of Arkansas indicia, purchase appropriate amount of liability insurance for your product, provide product specifications, and buy the appropriate CLC hologram labels to affix to your merchandise. (Manufacturers may also be required to submit an Authorized Manufacturer's Agreement.)

Step 3:
Submit other required forms and fees.

Step 4:
Review by University for Licensing Approval. The University of Arkansas does NOT approve or endorse the use of its marks in conjunction with alcohol or tobacco related products, illegal or illicit activities or substances, firearms, religious affiliation, or political affiliation.

Step 5:
Approval (or disapproval) of the licensee by the university will then be sent to CLC, who, in turn, will notify the potential licensee of the decision. Once approval has been granted, the licensee may proceed with submitting products/artwork for approval for retail.

Can I use the Razorback logo for my business, campaign and/or organization?

University marks may not be used to endorse or promote commercial ventures or be in used in promotions without prior written consent from the university.  If you would like to attain the promotional rights to use the university's marks, please contact Razorback Sports Properties at 479-575-6579. 

The use of the trademarks is prohibited by or for political campaigns, promotion of political causes, organizations and programs not directly sponsored by the university.

Permission to use the University’s marks to be incorporated into private websites must be granted by the Office of Trademarks and Licensing. No objectionable links will be allowed to be placed in the website that contains the university’s marks. A disclaimer must be inserted at the bottom of the opening page of any website containing the University’s marks that there is no official affiliation or endorsement granted by The University of Arkansas.

University/CLC Code of Conduct for Licensees

All University of Arkansas licensees are required to sign a Code of Conduct. The CLC Code of Conduct was adopted in January 2000 with an addendum that addresses women’s rights, environmental protection, and public disclosure. The CLC Code of Conduct was adopted to help ensure that workers in this country and abroad who produce licensed goods bearing the marks of the University of Arkansas work under healthy and safe conditions and receive fair humane treatment in their workplace. For more information, or to receive a copy of the CLC Code of Conduct, contact CLC at (770) 956-0520.

Intellectual Property

XOS Digital is the exclusive licensing agent for all Arkansas Razorback videos and photographs. The use of video and photographs owned and controlled by The University of Arkansas requires the permission of XOS, on behalf of Arkansas or the SEC as appropriate. For more information about utilizing Arkansas and/or SEC video and photographs and obtaining a license, please contact Collegiate Images at (407) 404-5618.