The Collegiate Licensing Company announced a multi-year extension of its partnership agreement with the University of Illinois to continue managing the school’s successful trademark licensing program. CLC began partnering with Illinois in 1983.
“CLC has been an integral part of our licensing success for more than thirty years, and we are pleased to renew our partnership,” said Marty Kaufmann, Senior Associate Athletics Director of Business Development at Illinois. “CLC’s team of licensing experts has helped guide the University as we grow our brand at retail, and we look forward to continuing to leveraging their resources, tools, and staff to provide best-in-class merchandise for our Illini fans.”
CLC’s representation of the Illinois trademark licensing program will continue to focus on the selection and management of best-in-class licensees to build the University’s brand while increasing sales of the highest-quality officially licensed products. Through its relationship with CLC, the University has developed a portfolio of national licensing and co-branded partnerships that include Victoria’s Secret PINK, Dockers, Dooney & Bourke, Yeti, Carhartt, Star Wars, and others. CLC also assisted Illinois with its 2014 brand update in conjunction with it sideline partner, Nike, and helped the University create the limited-edition “Lou Henson Collection” honoring its legendary coach.
Officially-licensed product for Illinois is now sold by more than 1,600 retail accounts across the country. The Illini licensing program has achieved greater in-store distribution and total sales due in part to its participation in CLC’s exclusive national retail marketing platforms, including College Colors Day, Rock Your Colors and Holiday Cheer Section. Illinois has also utilized CLC’s proprietary reporting systems and global consumer insights to develop marketing and licensing strategies to reach consumers across the country through a variety of retail channels and stores.
“We are excited to extend our long-time partnership with Illinois, and we look forward to continuing to work with the University to develop customized licensing and marketing programs to grow the Illini licensing program,” said Cory Moss, CLC’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director. “Our CLC team is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and services to help the University connect its fans with the Illinois brand.”