As a supporter of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and UTRGV Athletics, we need your help in keeping counterfeit products out of the marketplace!
Your Responsibility As A Fan
Look for the Label: Check for the licensed UTRGV™ label
Why is it Important to Purchase Officially Licensed Merchandise?
Royalty revenue generated from the sales of officially licensed merchandise is returned to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and supports student scholarships, campus initiatives, and UTRGV Athletics.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has a zero-tolerance policy for unethical labor practices. As part of the license application process, vendors are required to disclose manufacturing partners and demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Licensed vendors are required to carry insurance that indemnifies and protects The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Licensed product has been reviewed and approved with messaging deemed appropriate to associate with our institution.
We encourage entrepreneurs to legally produce merchandise bearing UTRGV marks! We have systems in place to assist individuals and businesses through the licensing process. It is unlawful to use The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s registered marks and names without permission.
How Can I Identify Officially Licensed Product In The Marketplace?
Look For the Label! A holographic label will appear on the packaging or tag of a licensed product ready to be purchased.
On game day, the UTRGV Campus Store has exclusive rights to sell merchandise on campus property. If you see someone else selling merchandise, it is NOT licensed.
You can check if a vendor is licensed by searching our licensed vendor database.
You can find officially licensed products using our retail location map.
See Licensed VendorsWhat Should I Do if I Find an Unlicensed Product?
- Do not purchase any merchandise you suspect is unlicensed.
- Members of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley community are always welcome to contact our office with unique ideas for graphics, designs, and/or products. We can provide the path for working directly with one of our licensed vendors or pursuing the licensing process with our licensing agency, CLC.
- Look for the Label and help us grow the UTRGV brand!
- Please report unlicensed product to the email below: roberto.castro@utrgv.edu
The UTRGV Licensed Product Hang Tag
CLC Hologram
Each hologram is unique and indicates the authenticity of product.
Retailer Locator
Wondering where UTRGV gear is sold?
You can find licensed UTRGV products through retail doors stretching through the RGV, from Edinburg to Brownsville.
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Is your business a licensed vendor selling official UTRGV gear but not listed on our retailer page? Contact umc@utrgv.edu to be added.
Helpful Definitions
History
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley trademark licensing program manages and oversees the use of the institution’s official names, logos, and registered marks. Managed by the Division of University Marketing and Communications, the program ensures that all items bearing UTRGV marks reflect the quality, integrity, and brand standards of the institution.
In partnership with Learfield Licensing Partners / CLC (The Collegiate Licensing Company), UTRGV works to protect its intellectual property, expand retail distribution, and maximize revenue streams that support university initiatives and student success.
The trademark licensing program serves as a dedicated resource to protect, promote, and elevate the UTRGV brand. Beyond traditional apparel and promotional merchandise, the scope of the licensing and brand management team includes protecting institutional digital media, video, audio, and official asset distribution.
University Brand Guidelines
The UTRGV Trademark Licensing program regulates the use of all university marks on commercial products and in association with entities outside of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. This includes promotional items, apparel, and custom merchandise ordered by university departments, divisions, and student organizations.
Department-specific branding and logo usage are governed by University Marketing and Communications in accordance with official UTRGV Brand Guidelines. Trademark Licensing ensures that all merchandise bearing the university’s name, logos, or likeness is sourced exclusively through approved, licensed vendors.
Approval Needed from Trademark Licensing
The UTRGV Trademark Licensing team is your primary point of contact for approval regarding:
- All Apparel: All uses of university trademarks on apparel items require prior approval from Trademark Licensing. This includes uniforms, staff shirts, event gear, and promotional giveaway t-shirts.
- All Promotional Goods: All uses of UTRGV trademarks on physical products require prior approval, even if the items are not being resold. This includes promotional items for conferences or department meetings, fundraising merchandise, client gifts, and table giveaways.
- Promotional Advertising: Any use of university marks, logos, or brand identity in association with external entities, commercial partners, or co-branded campaigns.
- Other Custom Uses: Any other commercial or non-commercial application of UTRGV marks, except for official administrative print and digital communication assets managed directly through University Marketing and Communications.
Approval Needed from University Marketing & Communications
University Marketing and Communications (UMC) is your primary contact for approval regarding:
- Official University Materials & Communications: All uses of UTRGV trademarks on stationery, business cards, official reports, institutional publications, posters, event banners, and academic materials require review and approval from UMC to ensure brand alignment.
- Strict Brand & Color Compliance: UTRGV strictly enforces official university colors, approved logos, and authorized taglines. UMC will not approve any requests that alter, customize, or deviate from official university brand standards.
For any questions regarding the internal application of UTRGV trademarks or brand guidelines across administrative and academic materials, please contact University Marketing and Communications at umcstyleguide@utrgv.edu.
How Do I Find A Licensed Vendor?
Products bearing The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley trademarks or specific departmental logos must be purchased from an officially licensed vendor. Using a licensed vendor ensures that required product liability insurance policies and signed compliance agreements with the UTRGV Code of Conduct are maintained. Up-to-date licensed vendor details can be found in our approved vendor directory. To ensure brand accuracy, all product artwork and designs must be approved by the UTRGV Trademark Licensing office prior to production. Typically, the licensed vendor submits designs through our licensing portal on behalf of the ordering department or student organization. However, if you have specific questions about design standards, project representatives may contact Trademark Licensing directly. UTRGV departments, divisions, and registered student organizations may not assign trademark usage rights or grant brand permissions to any external entity or internal group without prior review and formal written approval from Trademark Licensing.
When is it acceptable to NOT use a licensed vendor?
Informational or promotional print materials, such as banners, posters, flyers, brochures, and pamphlets, do not require a licensed merchandise vendor, provided they do not involve apparel or promotional hard goods. Official university stationery (letterhead, business cards, and envelopes) must be ordered directly through UTRGV Print Services.