WINTHROP ATHLETICS LICENSING

Retail Locations

Winthrop University Licensing is responsible for promoting and protecting the University's reputation by ensuring proper usage of its name and symbols.  Winthrop strongly believes in the need to protect and positively enhance its name and image by monitoring how its official trademarks are used in public.  This is an effort that encompasses managing a list of licensed vendors who have been approved to produce products that embody Winthrop Athletics. 
 

This page is designed to assist those who wish to learn more about the licensing process. The Office of Communications and Marketing, in cooperation with Affinity Licensing, administers the licensing program.

Winthrop Department of Athletics
Winthrop Coliseum
1162 Eden Terrace, Rock Hill, SC 29733
Phone (803) 323-2129

Get Licensed

Any person, business, or organization with an interest in producing items bearing the trademarks of the University need to first obtain a license through Affinity. Learn more about the license types and apply for a license HERE
 
Current Licensees
A current list of licensees and the products they are licensed to produce can be searched HERE

About Affinity?
Affinity Licensing is a full-service trademark licensing firm that combines more than 100 years of expertise in collegiate, athletic, fraternal and association licensing to help our clients accelerate their brands. We do that by delivering better solutions to brand management, client advocacy and vendor cultivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become licensed with Winthrop University?
To begin the process, please contact our licensing agency:

Affinity Contact Information
Affinity Licensing
5751 Palmer Way Suite G
Carlsbad, CA 92010
Website: www.affinitylicensing.com
Phone: 760-860-4005
Email: brian@affinitylicensing.com

What qualifies as a trademark?
Any mark, logo, symbol, nickname, letter(s), word(s) or combination of these that can be associated with the athletics department qualifies as a trademark.

What are the registered marks of Winthrop Athletics?
For a complete overview of Winthrop University's registered marks, please view the BRAND GUIDELINES

Why have a licensing program?
A trademark licensing program gives the University control over its logos and marks, thus, ensuring the quality and consistency of all of the University's merchandise. It also enables the University to generate revenue from the sale of merchandise bearing its logos and marks. The revenue is used to support and enhance many programs campus wide. Outside of the University, the trademark licensing program creates a cooperative and positive working relationship with the manufacturers and retailers who work with the University.

What products can be licensed?
Students, alumni and fans generate many great ideas for new University products. Products will be considered and must be approved by the University's Office of Communications and Marketing. This ensures all products associated with the University are of high quality and good taste and ensures the non-approval of potentially hazardous items.

Who needs a license?
Anyone wishing to use the marks, logos and symbols of the University must obtain a license.

Can an alumni or student group sell products using the University's marks as a fundraiser?
Before contacting local manufacturers regarding new products, designs, or an idea for a fundraiser, be sure to check with the University's Office of Communications and Marketing. They will be able to identify local manufacturers to produce the items, saving everyone time and effort.

What about using the University's name or logo on a website?
Every use of the University's trademarks requires permission from the Office of Communications and Marketing. The internet has made it easy for alumni, fans and supporters to build web pages with the University's name and logos, and the University appreciates this support. However, federal trademark laws require that the University control its name and marks; therefore, the University must be very selective in granting permission in these and all instances. For more information, contact the University's Office of Communications and Marketing. 

When am I able to use the trademarks of Winthrop University?
Any trademark which identifies or is associated with the Winthrop University may not be used without prior written permission from the University's Office of Communications and Marketing