Stevens Institute of Technology Licensing
Overview
Stevens' licensing program is a critical component of the university’s overall branding efforts. The program helps protect, promote and support Stevens’ reputation and image as one of the nation’s premier technology research universities. Every year the Stevens Institute of Technology name and logo are utilized on a wide variety of merchandise, furthering the reach and impact of the Stevens brand. Adherence to brand standards is extremely important in all such situations.
Licensing and Trademarks
Licensing Program
Stevens requires that businesses producing their merchandise be licensed. The licensing process ensures that the university’s name and logo are used appropriately, and that merchandise is manufactured under a code of conduct designed to reinforce fair-labor practices and prohibit sweatshop conditions.
The Division of University Relations manages the university’s licensing program and all presentations of the Stevens brand, which includes all use of trademarks, service marks, logos, insignias, seals, symbols or slogans that are associated with or referring to Stevens.
Individuals and organizations wishing to use the university's trademarks on commercial products must obtain permission to do so by securing a trademark license. Stevens has partnered with the Nexus Licensing Group to help manage the licensing of all university marks.
Any vendor or crafter creating apparel and merchandise bearing Stevens’ protected name and/or marks, whether for on-campus departments, student organizations, or for third-party vendors to sell online or in-store, must be approved as an official licensee. All vendor questions regarding the application and approval process should be directed to Nicole Bevington, Licensing Operations Manager at Nexus Licensing Group.
Stevens Registered Trademarks
The words "Stevens" and "Stevens Institute of Technology," the tagline “Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology” as well as all forms of the university logo and seal, are trademarks registered or pending registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
University Logo
University Wordmark
University Emblem
Stevens Trademarks - Other
The university also owns marks that are not registered:
University Seal
Attila Mascot Logos
Varsity Athletics “S”
Stevens Ducks
Stevens Ducks 4 Life
Royalty Bearing Items and Exemptions
All items produced for retail sale, whether in part or whole, are subject to our current royalty rate as determined by Stevens’ contract with Nexus; there are no exceptions.
Items produced for internal use, including by student groups, are generally royalty-free. However, there are circumstances in which the royalty fee is applied: Orders placed by any university entity, including student groups, that will be sold at cost or for a profit are considered royalty-bearing.
A trademark license is not required for suppliers of university signage; marketing brochures; decals used to identify campus vehicles; university letterhead and business cards; uniforms for Stevens’ NCAA athletics team performance; and mandatory uniforms worn by staff in research labs, Facilities and Campus Operations, Dining Services or Campus Police. Please note that the university's brand guidelines, brand review by the University Relations brand team, and requirements of the Stevens procurement office still must be followed in these situations.
Prohibited Items
Stevens’ name and trademarks may not be used in any way that violates the university’s anti-discrimination policies and practices as outlined in the Policy on Discrimination, Harassment and Bias Incidents. Additionally, the university’s name and marks are not permitted for use in any manner that states, suggests or implies Stevens’ endorsement of other organizations, companies, products, services, political parties or views, or religious organizations or beliefs. The use of Stevens’ name and/or trademarks by third-party organizations is strictly prohibited on:
Alcoholic beverages
Firearms and weapons
Inherently dangerous products
Tobacco and smoking products
Obscene or disparaging products
Sexually suggestive products
Goods related to gambling, lotteries, sweepstakes
Products that do not conform to the spirit of Stevens’ policy on discrimination, harassment and bias
Products of a political nature
Products of a religious nature
Personal bank checks, letterhead, business cards and address labels, or any items for personal use
What is a Licensee?
Licensing is the process of obtaining legal permission through a contract for the right to use someone's trademarks. An individual or company who enters into such an agreement is referred to as a licensee or licensed supplier. To inquire about becoming a licensee, contact Nicole Bevington, Licensing Operations Manager at Nexus Licensing Group.
Stevens' Licensing Agency
To ensure that merchandise produced and sold by third-party vendors meets the brand standards of the university, and to help prevent unauthorized usage that could deteriorate the strength of the brand, Stevens works with Nexus Licensing Group in the management and protection of the university’s visual identity and trademarks.
Infringement and Unauthorized Use
Stevens reserves the right to pursue any and all legal remedies against infringement of its trademarks.
Social Responsibility
Stevens Institute of Technology and Nexus Licensing Group are committed to conducting business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. At a minimum, all licensees must conduct business in a manner and spirit consistent with the legal, environmental, ethical, and fair labor standards outlined in Nexus’ Positive Labor Initiative, which is shared with all licensees.
Information for Licensees
How to Become a Licensee
Stevens’ licensing administration partner is Nexus Licensing Group. Begin the application process to become an official licensee. New licensee questions should be directed to Nicole Bevington, Licensing Operations Manager at Nexus, at nbevington@nexuslicensinggroup.com.
Single Use Licenses
Even though branded products require use of a Stevens licensed vendor, there are instances when the product is so uncommon and/or infrequently purchased (for example, a customized graduation cake) that a licensed vendor is not available. In these rare cases, a single-order approval will be issued.
Contact Nicole Bevington, Licensing Operations Manager at Nexus, at at nbevington@nexuslicensinggroup.com.
Crafter's Licenses
This license is for those interested in selling handmade merchandise that includes the Stevens Institute of Technology name, trademark, image or likeness. These goods may be sold online, in a shop or space owned by the creator, or in temporary spaces like craft shows and fairs.
Contact Nicole Bevington, Licensing Operations Manager at Nexus, at at nbevington@nexuslicensinggroup.com.
Contact
Licensees should direct questions to Nexus Licensing Group:
Brian Young, Managing Director
Information for the Campus Community
Additional information, including the Duck Depot storefront, for the campus community can be accessed in the University Relations SharePoint site.