Trademarks & Licensing
For Vendors
All products bearing University of Maryland (UMD) marks must be produced by a University of Maryland licensed vendor.
The University of Maryland partners with the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) as its licensing agent, and companies or individuals interested in producing products bearing a University of Maryland mark must first obtain a license through CLC. The Trademarks and Licensing director in the Office of Marketing and Communications makes all final decisions on licensing requests and artwork approvals.
Becoming a Licensed Vendor
Prepare a business plan, project your product’s sales numbers and secure proof of liability insurance.
Submit the CLC application, including an administrative review fee (between $150 and $250).
Await notification from CLC. The review period typically takes six to eight weeks.
Once licensed, report sales and pay the university a set royalty percentage on all licensed goods sold.
License and Royalty Structures
Companies seeking to produce products bearing university trademarks can pursue a license in one of three order categories. Royalty structures vary by each type of license.
Retail
This license grants a vendor permission to sell UMD-branded merchandise to retailers, including the University Book Center, and directly to consumers.
Royalty structures vary by retail program.
Internal License
This license grants a vendor permission to sell UMD-branded merchandise to university internal units, such as colleges, schools, departments, student organizations, sponsors and other affiliated entities, for promotion. Examples of promotion include but are not limited to event giveaways, staff uniforms and conference gifts.
No royalties are charged on internal orders. However, for promotional giveaways, the design must be specific to the internal unit that is placing the order. If generic university logos or trademarks are being used, written permission from licensing@umd.edu is required.
Internal Fundraiser License
This license grants a vendor permission to sell UMD-branded merchandise to university internal unit, such as colleges, schools, departments and student organizations for fundraising. Examples of fundraising include but are not limited to selling merchandise at a campus event and online pop-up shops.
A 12% royalty is charged on orders for internal fundraisers. Additionally, the design must be specific to the internal unit that is hosting the fundraiser.
Crafters Program
Vendors interested in producing small quantities of handcrafted items featuring UMD marks can obtain a special license through CLC Community Connect. This online platform connects local artisans directly with the university licensing team to easily manage requests, submit artwork approvals and log sales reports. Designed for home-based crafters selling up to 500 units (or $2,500 in sales) annually at local events or directly to consumers, the program offers an official pathway to create licensed collegiate goods for a $200 annual administrative fee.
Retail Design Guidelines
Any product featuring campus trademarks or logos must use the official trademarked version and be produced through a licensed vendor, whether it's a departmental giveaway, fundraiser or retail item. When these standards are met, branded merchandise becomes a meaningful way to build community.
M-Bar Logo
Terrafont Bar Logos
“Muscle Testudo” Mascot Logo
Vintage Logos
This mark must include the stylized capital “M” with a specific, horizontal Maryland-themed flag bar beneath it. Note the required double outline on the “M” and flag pattern in the bar.
On merchandise, the M-bar must adhere to the following color combinations or use a one-color logo.
This all-caps logo includes the word "Terrapins," "Terps," “Fear the Turtle” or "Maryland" over a flag bar.
Only the words and formats below may be used.
This logo features the cartoon version of the university’s mascot, Testudo, holding the letter “M.” No alterations in his stance or what he is holding, wearing, color palette, or his facial expression are permitted.
UMD’s vintage logos program includes logos and marks used by the university at different points in its history. It includes the script “Terps” and past versions of Testudo. The vendor must have the license for the “MARYLA THROW” program, which can be applied during the application process.
Social Responsibility
The University of Maryland is committed to managing its licensing program in a socially responsible manner and is taking steps to help ensure that its licensed merchandise is not produced by companies exploiting workers or using abusive labor practices. UMD is a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Works Rights Consortium. All licensed vendors are obligated to abide by the university’s code of conduct and are required to be FLA members.