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Campus Life

Unrivaled Licensing Deal Pays Off

Block "S" logo on Carter-Finley Stadium

NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have jointly marketed their trademark and licensing rights, selecting IMG College Licensing to help manage their programs. By capitalizing on their combined licensing value, both institutions received signing bonuses and improvements to previous contracts.

Trademark licensing is an important way for universities to manage image and branding, such as NC State’s “Block S” logo. And it’s a significant source of funding, which both universities reinvest into scholarships.

“This is a win for everyone involved, from the manufacturers and retailers who sell Wolfpack branded merchandise, to the students who will benefit from the added scholarship revenue, and to both universities in building upon strong brands,” said Gregg Zarnstorff, NC State’s director of trademark licensing. “NC State will continue to innovate and collaborate in finding the best value and service for the state of North Carolina.”

“It’s groundbreaking for two schools with such strong brands to work together in this way outside of the stadium, while maintaining a healthy rivalry in athletics,” said Brad Ives, associate vice chancellor for campus enterprises at UNC-Chapel Hill. “At Carolina we are looking forward to what this means for future collaborations with NC State, and other schools across the North Carolina university system.”