University of Kentucky Extends Partnership with The Collegiate Licensing Company
November 27, 2012
Following the largest basketball national championship “hot market” in collegiate licensing history, the University of Kentucky (UK) today announced it has extended its partnership agreement with Collegiate Licensing Company, an affiliate of IMG College, to continue managing its domestic U.S. trademark licensing program through 2018. Collegiate Licensing Company will also maintain its partnership with the University to manage its international trademark licensing rights.
Kentucky, a Collegiate Licensing Company partner institution since 1985, will continue to gain access to leading brand protection, brand management, and brand development services through a comprehensive trademark licensing program customized by Collegiate Licensing Company, which currently represents nearly 200 collegiate properties nationwide. Kentucky will also continue to benefit from Collegiate Licensing Company’s proven licensing services, which afford the University the opportunity to contract with best-in-class licensees that advance its goals and marketplace position.
“Throughout our 27-year partnership with CLC, the Kentucky licensing program has experienced tremendous growth in the sale of licensed merchandise, including a 40 percent increase in royalties in 2011-12 over the previous year,” said Jason Schlafer, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Corporate & University Relations, University of Kentucky. “We value CLC’s knowledge and experience in the collegiate licensing industry, which will help us further grow our program and expand Kentucky’s market presence.”
Through nearly three decades of partnership, Collegiate Licensing Company has worked closely with the University of Kentucky to expand its retail presence in the marketplace, and to leverage national licensing programs for the University such as the College Vault, a vintage inspired collection of products, Victoria’s Secret PINK, and Old Navy.
Collegiate Licensing Company has also helped Kentucky capitalize on hot market opportunities including its 1996, 1998, and 2012 basketball national championships.
“We are honored to extend our long-term relationship with the University of Kentucky to continue building on the success of its licensing program,” said Cory Moss, Senior VP & Managing Director, The Collegiate Licensing Company. “Kentucky has a tradition-rich history with a national base of supporters, and we look forward to continuing to help the University connect its passionate fans to the renowned UK brand.”
Kentucky is one of 13 schools in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) represented by Collegiate Licensing Company including The University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Missouri, University of Mississippi, Louisiana State University, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M University, and Vanderbilt University. Collegiate Licensing Company also represents the SEC Conference.
IMG College, an affiliate of Collegiate Licensing Company and creator of the premier national marketing platform in college sports, has represented Kentucky’s multimedia rights since 1974.
About Collegiate Licensing Company
Collegiate Licensing Company is a division of global sports and entertainment company IMG. Founded in 1981, Collegiate Licensing Company is the oldest and largest collegiate trademark licensing agency in the U.S. and currently represents nearly 200 colleges, universities, bowl games, athletic conferences, The Heisman Trophy and the NCAA. The mission of Collegiate Licensing Company is to be the guiding force in collegiate trademark licensing and one of the top sports licensing firms in the country. Collegiate Licensing Company is dedicated to being a center of excellence in providing licensing services of the highest quality to its member institutions, licensees, retailers and consumers. Headquartered in Atlanta (Ga.), Collegiate Licensing Company is a full-service licensing representative, which employs a staff of more than 80 licensing professionals who provide full-service capabilities in brand protection, brand management, and brand development.