Louisiana Tech University created a crafters license program to benefit the local craftsperson and provide them with an opportunity to use their creativity without infringing on the University’s trademarks. It also allows Louisiana Tech to maintain the integrity of its brand.
We hope that this program will be used by local entrepreneurs to test the market before entering into a broader retail license with the University through its licensing agent, CLC. This license is ideal for fans and alumni who are interested in producing small quantities of merchandise.
Program
A craftsperson is a self-employed individual of great skill in the manual arts who produces items that are all or partly (greater than 50 percent) made by hand or with a hands-on process in the home and selling/distributing to individual consumers via events or direct sale. A craftsperson does not utilize any fully automated processes and has no paid employees. The craftsperson must reside in the state of Louisiana.
The application period for the 2021-2022 program is April 1 to May 31, 2021. The license is good for one fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) or when the predetermined amount of product is reached, whichever comes first. Crafter Agreements will be renewed on a yearly basis upon request by Crafter. Each renewal is subject to the same criteria as a new application.
The application form should be completed and submitted to:
Louisiana Tech University
Office of University Communications
PO Box 3172
Ruston, LA 71272
A Crafters License Agreement will be sent to the crafter for signature once the applications and photos/samples are reviewed and approved. The signed agreement should be returned to the Louisiana Tech Office of University Communications with a check made payable to Louisiana Tech University ($150 annual licensing fee, plus $25 or $50 for holograms).
A $150 fee will be charged by the University on an annual basis. Crafters are allowed to sell up to 500 units or $2,500 in sales revenue annually. Crafters are also required to purchase and display “Officially Licensed Collegiate Product” holograms on products ($25 for 250 holograms or $50 for 500 holograms).
Items that are unique, handmade, and of an underrepresented category can be approved for licensing in this category. Categories that are not permitted include:
- Apparel
- Headwear
- Drinkware
- Tailgate Games
- Decals
- Digital Downloads
- Consumable items/items used on or in the body
- Potentially other items on a case-by-case basis
Louisiana Tech’s Crafters License allows for sales to individual consumers only, and does not allow for wholesale or third party vendor/distributor sales. All items must be approved by Louisiana Tech Licensing prior to listing or displaying for sale. Samples may be required for some items. Craftsperson can only sell products at the following locations if crafter contact information is provided and the Crafters License Certificate is displayed:
- Craft shows
- Farmers Markets
- Festivals
- Flea Markets
- Fairs
- Limited Online Sites (personal website or crafter-hosted websites, i.e. Etsy, Facebook marketplace)
- Artisan/Co-op shops
- Distribution via events such as events organized by church, school, county, or state