Nov. 29, 2001
Consumers should look for the "licensed" label on Purdue merchandise that they buy on game day this fall and anytime.
Purdue grants licenses to manufacturers of merchandise ranging from T-shirts to earmuffs to bobble-head dolls in the likeness of Purdue Pete. In exchange for the right to produce and market these products, licensees pay a portion of the purchase price to the university. Conversely, vendors who sell unlicensed merchandise pay nothing to the university for the use of its identity and, as a result, their merchandise often is substandard.
The telltale sign of a legitimate product is a red-and-blue label that states the product is licensed.
Purdue works with the Collegiate Licensing Company to review all products and designs that manufacturers propose for sale. Often, ideas are rejected because they would reflect negatively on the university. If the design or product is judged to be tasteful, in return for being granted the right to produce and/or sell the product, the vendor pays a royalty fee to the university for each item sold.
"Dozens of kinds of products are licensed by Purdue, but a small number are unlicensed and therefore unregulated," said Nancy Cross, associate athletics director for marketing and development. "The licensing process not only ensures that the university benefits from sales and that our image is not tarnished."
This Saturday, Collegiate Licensing Company and Purdue trademark and licensing staff will be on the watch to check that only licensed merchandise is being offered to fans.
"Fans should know that there's a difference between the trailers and stands around Ross-Ade Stadium that carry licensed goods and the guy selling out of the trunk of his car," said David Wilson, Purdue logo licensing manager.
"We'll be out to look for counterfeit goods for sale, but consumers should be on the watch all the time to make sure they are buying licensed goods."
To report a product that does not comply with licensing guidelines, call Wilson at (765) 494-1077.