Licensing Overview

Men wearing Licensed Yale Products

All manufacturers who produce goods bearing any of Yale’s trademarks must be licensed by the University’s Marketing and Trademark Licensing Department. Yale reserves the right to refuse a license to any person, business, or organization.

The terms of the license are contained in the Yale University Trademark License Agreement. The primary terms include:

  • Licenses are granted for the production of specific products.
  • Approved products must be identified as officially licensed.
  • Licenses are non-exclusive.
  • Licensees are required to pay a nonrefundable, annual advance on future royalty payments.
  • Licensees are required to pay an annual administration fee.
  • Licensees are required to participate in the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and to adopt the FLA Code of Conduct or be members of the Ethical Trade Initiative and adopt their Base Code.
  • Licensees are required to provide a certificate of insurance rated A or better by Best Rating company listing Yale as an additional insured.

Yale University does not endorse products or services. Therefore, permission will not be granted for use of the Yale name or trademarks in a manner that may be misunderstood as an endorsement.