The Power of the Grambling State Brand – Results of the “Look for the Label” Program 2017-18

Look for the Label! Trademark & Licensing at Grambling State UniversityThe continued help of our supporters and our sponsors is about more than just dollars at Grambling State University. Every effort, from giving to “looking” to support licensed vendors, helps improve the lives and campus experience of students and faculty – ultimately producing the talented leaders who go on to positively impact their local communities and the world.

With that said, we’d like to thank you for your generous support in 2017 of our “Look for the Label” licensed GSU product program.  Your contributions by choosing to buy licensed products made an $800,000 difference to GSU, and we look forward to beating that this goal in the 2018-19 academic year!

How the “Look for the Label” Program Created Positive Impact

Over the past year, a Grambling State University Trademark Licensing team was established to ensure GSU is fully monetizing and leveraging the power of the Grambling State brand.

As a result, the “Look for the Label” program was launched to better capture the revenue from the sale of officially licensed GSU branded gear.  Your support helped create the results GSU can see on the bottom line including:

  • Increased sales & royalties: For the 2017-2018 fiscal year, Grambling State University Licensing Program drove a 5 percent increase – more than $800K in total sales and a record increase of 15 percent in royalty revenue collected from the sale of licensed products.
  • Official GSU products strengthen the brand: Working with the IMG College Licensing group, GSU has a heightened focus on vendors being licensed and eliminating the sale of products that misuse the GSU brand. 
  • New Partnerships: In July, Grambling State announced a partnership with Adidas where you can now purchase Adidas branded GSU gear through our school bookstore.  With Homecoming and the Bayou Classic fast approaching, keep on the lookout for new designs and products on campus and online.
  • New Enforcement: For our 2018-19 academic year, including major events like  Homecoming and the Bayou Classic, our Licensing team will conduct “pop up” audits to ensure vendors are licensed and properly representing the GSU brand. 
  • New Vendors: For the 2018 – 2019 school year, we are actively pursuing more opportunities to recruit and connect with vendors who are interested in becoming officially licensed and a member of the “Look for the Label” program.

If you have questions about becoming a licensed vendor, visit our Trademark & Licensing Center online at http://www.gram.edu/offices/licensing/.