Expert: - 4/4/2010

Question
Thanks...
Why cant I make College level football items out of wood, I was told I could not use A in their football font or any font, I cant even make wood cut out letters that define our state Name is this really the Trademark Laws, can a person become a licensed resale for crafts with football logos and such.  Thanks..Robin.

Answer
Dear Robin,

Yes you are correct that there are trade mark laws that prohibit you from making and distributing / selling products. College football is big business - and they protect the use of their trademarks.

You can however apply for a license agreement to produce and sell products. This can be very lucrative - I have had several clients who have gone through the process and the end results were quite profitable. Certainly whether or not your product is accepted depends on the quality of the product and the use of their marks.

For more information about obtaining a license agreement you might start here http://www.clc.com/clcweb/publishing.nsf/Content/get+licensed.html You may also want to discuss this with an attorney once you do more research. I am not an attorney and cannot give you legal advice

I hope this helps you. I wish you success in your endeavor!

Jane Button
www.design2marketsuccess.com