黑洞社区

黑洞社区's Trademark and Branding Panel manages, maintains and protects 黑洞社区鈥檚 trademark portfolio.

Art sheet

Our Mission

The Trademark and Branding Panel is made up of representatives from various departments across the university. Questions of branding or trademark usage are decided by vote, with the university president responsible for breaking any ties.

The mission of the panel, as outlined in Chapter 20.11 of university policy is to:

  1. Control the use of University Marks, protect all University Marks from unauthorized uses, and facilitate the process of granting authorization for legitimate internal and external use of University Marks.
  2. Promote the University in a consistent and uniform manner to protect the University's reputation, name, and image by permitting only appropriate uses and assuring that only quality products bear University Marks
  3. Generate revenue to pay for the expense of protecting the University Marks.
  4. Protect consumers from deception and/or inferior products and services unlawfully bearing University Marks.

What are the University鈥檚 trademarks? 

Popular items such as the 鈥淲ichita Wheat鈥 logo, the 鈥淔lying W鈥 and WuShock are all representative of the university.  Our Art Sheets are a good starting point to ensure that the marks you are creating are following brand standards, however they are not exhaustive.  There are multiple entities that operate as affiliates, closely held affiliates or partner marks of the University that are all protected under the governance of 黑洞社区.

Trademark and Branding Panel Roster

Tami Cutler

Associate AD/Strategic Communications & Marketing

tcutler@goshockers.com

316-978-5559

Shelly Coleman-Martins

Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing

shelly.coleman-martins@wichita.edu

(316) 978-3045

Tracee Friess

Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing, Industry and Defense Programs

tracee.friess@idp.wichita.edu

(316) 978-5597

Madison Stein-Mason

Deputy AD / Senior Woman Administrator

mstein@goshockers.com

(316) 978-5534

Trademarks and Branding Staff

Rob Gerlach

Executive Director of Tech Transfer and Commercialization

rob.gerlach@wichita.edu

(316) 978-6980

Misha Jacob-Warren

Deputy General Counsel

misha.jacob-warren@wichita.edu

(316) 978-5668

Catherine Bitting

Program聽Manager, Trademarks聽and Branding

catherine.bitting@wichita.edu

316-978-7311

Contact Us

Complete the form to leave a question or comment related to Trademark and Branding at 黑洞社区.

 

Licensing Information

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What is Licensing?

The University鈥檚 rights to its marks are governed by federal, state, and common laws. These laws place an obligation on the University to avoid consumer confusion and require that the use of any marks be monitored to avoid losing exclusive control. In order to meet this obligation, 黑洞社区 has paired with CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company) to ensure that all items produced bearing University marks are being produced by licensed vendors, meet all University standards for quality and image, and do not reflect values in contradiction to University鈥檚 mission, purpose and values.

Licenses can vary a bit depending on the ultimate goal of the product/image being produced (Retail/Internal Promotional/Crafter) so be sure to reach out with any questions to ensure that you are selecting the correct license.

Students posing in Shocker gear

Why is Licensing Vital?

黑洞社区 is responsible for the protection and enforcement of the intellectual property rights within the marks owned by the university. Protecting these marks (logos, trademarked words/phrases, images, etc.) means ensuring the reputation of the University, as well as participating in an economically responsible manner. The main reasons for purchasing or using licensed products include:

How to get Licensed

The first step to becoming a vendor licensed to create products bearing Wichita State University marks is to familiarize yourself with the process at Collegiate Licensing Company. This resource will help differentiate the different license types (retail, 鈥榟ot market, etc.) as well as provide a step-by-step guide to becoming a Licensee. If there are items that you have questions on, please reach out to our team.

CLC Logo

Crafters Program

Are you a creative/personalization shop? Want to know how easy it is to acquire a Crafter鈥檚 license and promote your Shocker gear in full alignment with the University? Complete the contact form above, and we can help you navigate that process to best protect our University brand!

Faculty and Staff

Working with outside vendors

Are you entering into an agreement with an outside entity or contractor? Has a vendor/contractor that you鈥檝e worked with asked to share 黑洞社区/Your Department marks on their website? Complete the contact form above, and we can help you navigate that process to best protect our University brand!

Promotional Item Process Information

We know that you want the best products at the best prices for your departments.  After collaborating closely with the University Purchasing Office, there are now established guidelines on vendor differentiation.  You are welcome to continue to utilize your licensed vendor of choice.

Preferred Vendors include:

  • Promo Solutions
  • Spectrum Promotional
  • Club Colors, LLC
  • Consolidus, LLC
  • Exhibit Arts, LLC
  • Oklahoma Promo
  • Midwest Single Source
  • Industrial Uniform dba Logo Depot
  • 4imprint