New Licensing Program To Benefit High Schools
In the spring of 2009, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) entered into an agreement with Licensing Resource Group, LLC (LRG) to establish a licensing program that protects the logos and marks of its 51 member state associations and their member schools.
Since then, more than 50% of the state associations, including the CIAC, have also entered into agreements with LRG which ultimately will provide a new source of revenue for high schools throughout Connecticut.
Currently, many high schools have merchandise being sold in retail locations, and the school does not financially benefit from the sale of these items. This initiative is designed to change that fact. Under this new partnership, LRG will secure licensee and retail partners, administer each license, and the schools will receive royalties on the sale of this merchandise. Associations and leagues such as the NCAA, NBA, and NFL, as well as most major colleges and universities participate in similar programs to protect their trademarks and generate income. As of January 2010 all licensed apparel and products carried by retailers with the local school's name, logo and/or mascot will have a "hang tag" that identifies it as an authentic, quality licensed product. This hang tag will read "NFHS Official High School Licensed Product", and will show retailer support of local schools and let the consumer know that the purchase supports the local school and the CIAC. Two retailers that LRG has already secured to carry the licensed merchandise are Wal-Mart and Kmart.
There is absolutely no cost to schools to participate in this program, and no work or time required by the school's staff. The entire program is implemented and executed by LRG in coordination with the CIAC. It is strongly suggested, but not required, that schools "trademark" their name, mascot and/or logo if they have not done so already. This can be easily done online by going to the Secretary of State's website. Although all high schools will automatically be included in the program, schools can still choose to allow certain groups (i.e.-booster clubs, a small local retailer with longtime relationship to the school, etc.) to continue selling unlicensed product for fundraising efforts. If a school is not interested in participating in this program they can choose to opt out by notifying the CIAC. If you have any questions or should need additional information please contact Stephanie Ford at the CIAC at 201-250-1111 or sford@casciac.org.
By Stephanie Ford, Director of Marketing
Since then, more than 50% of the state associations, including the CIAC, have also entered into agreements with LRG which ultimately will provide a new source of revenue for high schools throughout Connecticut.
Currently, many high schools have merchandise being sold in retail locations, and the school does not financially benefit from the sale of these items. This initiative is designed to change that fact. Under this new partnership, LRG will secure licensee and retail partners, administer each license, and the schools will receive royalties on the sale of this merchandise. Associations and leagues such as the NCAA, NBA, and NFL, as well as most major colleges and universities participate in similar programs to protect their trademarks and generate income. As of January 2010 all licensed apparel and products carried by retailers with the local school's name, logo and/or mascot will have a "hang tag" that identifies it as an authentic, quality licensed product. This hang tag will read "NFHS Official High School Licensed Product", and will show retailer support of local schools and let the consumer know that the purchase supports the local school and the CIAC. Two retailers that LRG has already secured to carry the licensed merchandise are Wal-Mart and Kmart.
There is absolutely no cost to schools to participate in this program, and no work or time required by the school's staff. The entire program is implemented and executed by LRG in coordination with the CIAC. It is strongly suggested, but not required, that schools "trademark" their name, mascot and/or logo if they have not done so already. This can be easily done online by going to the Secretary of State's website. Although all high schools will automatically be included in the program, schools can still choose to allow certain groups (i.e.-booster clubs, a small local retailer with longtime relationship to the school, etc.) to continue selling unlicensed product for fundraising efforts. If a school is not interested in participating in this program they can choose to opt out by notifying the CIAC. If you have any questions or should need additional information please contact Stephanie Ford at the CIAC at 201-250-1111 or sford@casciac.org.
By Stephanie Ford, Director of Marketing