Texas Tech University Athletics
Trademark Licensing
The Texas Tech brand is one of the university’s most visible and valuable assets. From the Double T on game day to officially licensed products worn by Red Raiders around the world, every use of Texas Tech’s marks helps tell the story of our university, our athletics programs, our traditions, and our community.
Texas Tech’s licensing program plays a key role in protecting and growing the brand across the places Red Raiders connect with it most — through fan engagement, retail opportunities, officially licensed products, and the continued expansion of Texas Tech trademarks in the marketplace. Since 1994, Texas Tech University has partnered with the Collegiate Licensing Company to manage its trademark licensing program and support the growth of the Texas Tech brand.
Through this program, Texas Tech works with licensed vendors, retailers, and brand partners to bring high-quality, officially licensed products to fans while ensuring the university’s names, logos, trademarks, and spirit marks are used consistently and appropriately. Each approved product and brand use helps strengthen recognition, build affinity, and extend the reach of Texas Tech Athletics and the Red Raider community.
Texas Tech University owns and protects its trademarks through registrations with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the State of Texas. All commercial use of Texas Tech trademarks must be approved through the university’s licensing program and produced by an officially licensed vendor, helping ensure that products bearing Texas Tech marks reflect the quality, pride, and standards associated with the university.
The licensing program is administered by Texas Tech Athletics Licensing & Brand Management in partnership with CLC.
Texas Tech Athletics Identity System
Texas Tech Athletics has introduced an expanded identity system built to strengthen the Red Raider brand across competition, licensed products, retail, NIL opportunities, digital platforms, fan gear, gameday experiences, and national brand moments.
Anchored by the Double T, the system gives licensed vendors and brand partners a deeper, more flexible toolkit while reinforcing consistency across Texas Tech Athletics and the broader marketplace.
All commercial use of Texas Tech trademarks must still be submitted for review and approval through the appropriate licensing process before production.
Texas Tech University Visual Identity
The beveled Double T remains the institutional mark for the broader university, carrying a story rooted in academic excellence, alumni pride, tradition, service, and achievement.
For university-level visual identity guidance, including institutional logo use, colors, typography, and related brand standards, please reference the official Texas Tech University Visual Identity site.
University trademarks remain subject to review, licensing, and approval requirements, and all commercial use must be properly authorized before production.
Licensing Process
The basic requirements for licensing include completing the licensing application, providing proof of product liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000), signing a license agreement, paying the applicable advance fees, obtaining product and design approval from the University through CLC, and reporting royalties on the sale of Texas Tech merchandise.
Costs | Details, Opens in a new window
- Application Fee ($250 - $500 range)
- Annual Administrative Fees ($0 first year)
- Advance Royalty Fees ($200 - $600, varies by product)
- Cost of Obtaining $1,000,000 in Product Liability Insurance ($100's - $1,000's, depending on the product)
- Marketing Costs (trade shows, catalogs, web sites, etc.)
- Product Development Costs (design, development, obtaining digital artwork ($50 - $500), etc.)
- Sample Production & Approval Costs (the cost of producing samples and obtaining approvals).
Application
- Log on to the Collegiate Licensing Company, Opens in a new window website (http://clc.com/)
- Click on "Get Licensed"
- Select "Apply Now"
- Fill out the short online form and submit
- Download and complete the licensee application
Licensees will be required to pay an advance on royalties, or a guarantee depending on the products being produced.
Royalties are due on all licensed products sold. Royalty rates vary by product category and distribution channel.
Licensees must indemnify and hold harmless Texas Tech University, its Regents, officers, employees, and agents for any liability attributable to any of the licensee's products bearing the trademarks of the University.
What will not be licensed?
- Business Names and or Logos - All types
- Stationery - Business-size, letterhead paper using the name or seal of Texas Tech University or the Double T logo
- Certificates of Recognition - using the name or seal of Texas Tech University or the Double T logo
- Inherently Dangerous Products - Such as firearms, explosives, and fuels
- Obscene or Disparaging Products - Including, but not limited to, nude photographs, caricature poster art or designs that would tend to lower the reputation or degrade the goodwill of the University as represented by the trademarks
- Sexually Suggestive Products - Including, but not limited to, inappropriate slogans imprinted on clothing and the configuration of certain novelty items
- Health Related Products - All types
- Services - except in accordance with the special requirements of the Office of General Counsel applicable to services
Community Connect (formerly Crafter's License)
Texas Tech University has created a Community Connect license program to benefit the local craftsperson who is requesting to make products using the institution’s marks. This license is for an individual (crafter) who is handcrafting items within their home that include the collegiate marks, which will be distributed or sold direct to a consumer via the following distribution spaces: Craft Fairs, Craft Shows, Festivals, Markets, Social Media, Person to Person, and Etsy.
In order to maintain the Community Connect, a crafter must stay within the following parameters each year:
- $2500 or less in sales
- 500 units sold or less
A list of specific products not allowed in the Community Connect program include, but are not limited to:
- Apparel
- Cornhole boards/other tailgate games
- Tumblers/other similar styles of drinkware
- Consumable items/items used on or in body
- Potentially other items on a case by case basis
The cost for a Community Connect license is an annual $200 fee. Fees may be prorated based on when the application is submitted. If you have further questions about the Community Connect program or the application process, you can reach out to communityconnect@clc.com.
Bakeries
Texas Tech does license bakeries. Several requirements of the standard license are waived, however a $250 application fee is required and bakeries will submit royalties quarterly at a 12% royalty rate. If interested in applying for a license as a bakery, please email licensing@clc.com.
Trademark Basics
Texas Tech trademarks are among the university’s most recognizable and valuable brand assets. They include names, logos, words, slogans, symbols, characters, and other identifiers that connect products, promotions, experiences, and communications back to Texas Tech University.
Protecting these marks helps preserve the strength, quality, consistency, and reputation of the Texas Tech brand while helping fans, students, alumni, retailers, and licensees identify official Texas Tech products and approved brand uses.
Commercial use requires approval. Products, promotions, co-branded items, NIL merchandise, retail goods, giveaways, and other public-facing uses featuring Texas Tech marks must be reviewed and approved through the appropriate licensing process before production or distribution.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is any word, name, logo, symbol, slogan, nickname, design, character, or other identifier used to distinguish Texas Tech University, Texas Tech Athletics, or approved Texas Tech goods and services from other organizations or products.
Unauthorized use of Texas Tech trademarks, or any design that may create confusion about sponsorship, endorsement, affiliation, or approval by the university, may be subject to review under Texas Tech’s trademark licensing policies.
Examples of protected Texas Tech marks
Texas Tech University owns and protects a broad portfolio of trademarks through federal and state registrations, common-law rights, and ongoing brand use. Protected marks include, but are not limited to:
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Tech
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Red Raiders
- Lady Raiders
- Double T logos and related university marks
- Masked Rider marks and imagery
- Raider Red character marks
- Guns Up
- Wreck ’Em / Wreck ’Em Tech
- Raiderland
- Carol of Lights
Trademark symbols
Some Texas Tech marks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the State of Texas and may appear with the appropriate trademark symbol, such as ® or TM, depending on the mark, registration status, product type, and approved use.
Licensees and vendors should use the official artwork and trademark designations provided through approved licensing channels. Do not add, remove, recreate, or alter trademark symbols without approval.
View examples of registered Texas Tech marks
Federally registered examples may include: Texas Tech University, Wreck ’Em, Wreck ’Em Tech, Raiderland, Guns Up, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Carol of Lights, Double T logos, Vintage Masked Rider, and Raider Red character marks.
State-registered examples may include: Texas Tech, Red Raiders, Lady Raiders, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Texas Tech Lady Raiders, Double T and Masked Rider marks, Texas Tech University System Seal, Texas Tech University Seal, and other university identifiers.
Trademark Usage Policies
Reproduction of all registered marks, which identify Texas Tech, may not be used without the prior expressed written approval of the University.
- Registration will primarily be maintained in the United States, and also internationally if significant markets arise.
- Licenses will not be granted for the use of distinct marks on products that are not compatible with the image of the University as a major institution for education, research and public service.
- The University and CLC will enforce restrictions on the use of registered marks by unlicensed vendors. Unlicensed vendors, who sell goods bearing University registered marks, will be required to obtain a license and pay royalties, or withdraw the goods from sale.
- Registered student organizations (RSO) may use the University's registered marks when used in connection with a group activity, provided items are acquired from a licensed vendor. A sample or drawing needs to be provided showing how the University's registered marks are to be used before production of the merchandise can proceed. This sample will be submitted by the licensed vendor selected by the Texas Tech registered student organization.
- Departments of Texas Tech may use the University's registered marks on merchandise, provided items are acquired from a licensed vendor. A sample or drawing needs to be provided showing how the University's registered marks are to be used before production of the merchandise can proceed. This sample will be submitted by the licensed vendor selected by the Texas Tech department.
- Athletic conferences in which the University holds membership will be allowed to use all University registered marks associated with the athletic teams. There will be no payment of royalties when University registered marks are used in the media or on non-commercial promotional items that include registered marks of the conference and/or other member institutions.
Policies and Guidelines for Texas Tech (in-house) use
In-house use: Registered student organizations, student sports teams, resident hall organizations and university departments may use any University registered marks for "in-house" purposes (such as posters, signs, banners, brochures) that deal with on-campus activities. Such use must reflect positively on the University, and be reproduced accurately by a licensed vendor of Texas Tech and must not conflict or cause confusion with Texas Tech Intercollegiate Athletic Teams. The student organizations name must be included in the design. Approval from the Director of Licensing is required.
Recognized student organizations and campus departments may include a sponsor name/logo along with University trademarks on products and certain forms of advertising. However, the student organization/department's name must be included in the design to communicate that the relationship is a partnership with a particular group and not an endorsement by the University as a whole. Approval will not be granted for sponsors who conflict with University exclusive agreements. Based on the scope of the program, a rights fee may be assessed to the sponsor to associate its name with Texas Tech University. These sponsors may not be designated as "Official" or "Exclusive". University departments will need to secure approval of any joint advertisement from the Director of Licensing. Policies and Guidelines for non-Texas Tech use still apply.
Sales restricted to campus organizations and departments: Registered student organizations and university departments may sell or give away products (such as T-shirts), which display University registered marks combined with the names and logos of that organization/department or activity. These items must relate directly to an on-campus activity sponsored by that organization/department. Items need to be unique and not compete with products and/or artwork available in the retail market, and be reproduced accurately by a licensed vendor of Texas Tech. Approval from the Director of Licensing is required. Royalties will apply.
Policies and Guidelines for non-Texas Tech Use
Reproduction of all registered marks, which identify Texas Tech, may not be used without the prior expressed written approval of the University.
- Private and/or corporate businesses may not use Texas Tech's registered trademarks on company vehicles. Placing Texas Tech's registered trademarks near company information on company vehicles is prohibited, as there will be a likelihood of confusion that the company is a representative of, or sponsored by, Texas Tech (e.g. paint, decals).
- Private and/or corporate businesses may not use Texas Tech's registered trademarks in their company name.
- Private and/or corporate businesses may not use Texas Tech's registered trademarks in the sale of commercial products or advertising. University indicia cannot be incorporated into off-campus business telephone numbers, internet addresses, or internet domain names.
- The University does not permit the use of its identifying graphics by any other institution or business.
- Private and/or corporate businesses may not establish a permanent statue, mural or icon that includes the University trademarks or likeness without written permission from the Director of Licensing.
- Private and/or corporate businesses or organizations may not use the trademarks of the University in any type of advertisements, on web sites or on banners, etc., without written permission from the Director of Licensing.
- Private and/or corporate businesses may not produce merchandise for resale or give-away that utilizes the University's trademarks and its name and/or logo without written permission from the Director of Licensing.
- Private and/or corporate businesses may not use University trademarks to promote their products or services in print advertising, radio or television without a promotional contract in place or written permission from the Director of Licensing.
- Individuals or private and/or corporate businesses may not use University trademarks on a website without written permission from the Director of Licensing. If approved, the University will provide a disclaimer that must be used on the site.
- Individuals or organizations may not utilize the University's trademarks in conjunction with a candidate for political office or policy/legislative issue without written permission from the Director of Licensing.
- Texas Tech registered trademarks cannot be used in any design that infringes on another entity (e.g. Harley Davidson, Jim Beam)
- The University recognizes that there are many groups that support the institution from academics to athletics. However, any group wanting to use University trademarks on product, regardless of use, must purchase the product from a current University licensee. By supporting the University's licensing initiatives, organizations can assist the University by ensuring that products bearing a Texas Tech mark are of the highest quality and meet all insurance and contractual requirements. The licensee is responsible for getting the design approved by the Director of Licensing and remitting the University's royalty on the product to CLC.
- If a donor wishes to utilize one of Texas Tech University's trademarks in some manner, written permission must be obtained from the Director of Licensing. The verbiage "supporting Texas Tech University ", "supporting XXX at Texas Tech University", or "supporting Texas Tech Athletics" must be included. All materials using University marks must be submitted for approval before production and must be purchased from a current University licensee.
- Booster clubs may use sponsor names on merchandise only with written approval from the Director of Licensing. The organization's name must be included in the design to communicate that the relationship is a partnership with the organization and not the University. Based on the scope of the program, a rights fee, in addition to royalties, may be assessed.
- Rights fees and royalties for the use of the University trademarks in all instances may be assessed.
Unauthorized use of University Marks
Any use of University Marks that does not comply with the University's licensing and approval requirements will be considered unauthorized and may violate Federal and/or state laws.
The University reserves the right to take appropriate action when confronted with unauthorized uses of its marks. Depending on the facts, such action may include confiscation of goods and issuance of a cease and desist letter. It can also result in jail time and numerous fines if convicted.
What is commercial use?
Items for resale: The following purposes constitute commercial use when selling products (such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, cups or hats to name a few) with any University registered marks:
- Sales to campus and private retailers (including registered student organizations and departments of Texas Tech).
- Sales to individual customers.
- Sales to Texas Tech sporting events through concessions.
- Sales on campus by registered student organizations.
- Sales for fund raising projects by registered student organizations.
- Sales to registered student organizations for the purpose of promoting their organization.
What do you need to do?
The Director of Licensing must grant approval to all outside vendors wanting to use any University registered marks, even if the vendor is producing items for a Texas Tech affiliated group. If a registered student organization or department is involved in any of the activities deemed as commercial, then the vendor from which merchandise is purchased must be licensed by CLC. If a project falls into an exempt category, the Director of Licensing must issue a waiver to the vendor producing the merchandise.
The Director of Licensing maintains a list of all Texas Tech licensed vendors. These vendors have been carefully chosen and are familiar with Texas Tech University's licensing policies and procedures. For assistance in choosing a licensed vendor please contact the Director of Licensing or refer to the CLC website.
Texas Tech Athletics: Trademark Licensing
Paige Holland
Assistant Athletics Director – Licensing & Brand Management, Digital Media, and Special Projects
2508 6th St. (shipping) | Box 43021 (mailing)
East Side of Jones AT&T Stadium
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: (806) 834-3075