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Any person producing products bearing the logos, trademarks, word marks or having an implied association with South Dakota State University must be licensed with the ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø Trademarks and Licensing Program, which approves all products and designs and ensures proper labeling as appropriate. In addition, the ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø Trademarks and Licensing Program seeks to ensure that all products and designs submitted for licensing are safe for consumers and project the proper image of the university.

The South Dakota State Community Connect program allows independent artisans to participate in South Dakota State's Trademarks and Licensing Program by legally producing products adorned with the university's marks and names. Through this program, artisans enter into a simple contract with ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø, under the management of the Collegiate Licensing Company, that grants permission to individuals to produce products displaying ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø trademarks and sell those products at craft shows, Facebook Marketplace and Etsy.

Individuals with a Community Connect agreement are not permitted to sell South Dakota State University crafts in any retail venue. Individuals selling outside of a craft show, Facebook Marketplace or Etsy, must apply for the standard South Dakota State University license.

Under the Community Connect agreement, annual sales are not to exceed $2,500 and are limited to a maximum of 500 units per year. No sales will be permitted on a wholesale basis or to a third-party vendor. A $200 annual fee and samples of any items being produced are required. If sales are equal to or exceed $2,500, the licensee will be required to have a Standard Licensing Agreement. A South Dakota State Community Connect agreement is exempt from royalty fees.

Production Restrictions for Community Connect Licensees

To protect the integrity of South Dakota State University's trademark licensing program, ensure consistent brand management and avoid competition with university-approved vendors and internal service providers, Community Connect licensees are prohibited from producing, selling, distributing or fulfilling custom-branded merchandise, apparel, promotional items, printed materials or other products for:

• South Dakota State University academic and administrative departments;
• University colleges, offices, centers, institutes and programs;
• Registered student organizations;
• SDSU Athletics and athletics-affiliated programs, camps, teams or booster organizations; and
• Any university-affiliated entity using SDSU names, trademarks, logos or other protected marks.

Community Connect licensees may only produce and sell merchandise authorized under the Community Connect licensing program and intended for general retail sale to the public. Production of custom orders for university entities listed above requires authorization through the university's standard licensing and procurement processes and must be fulfilled by vendors specifically approved for those purposes.

Violation of this policy may result in corrective action, including suspension or termination of the Community Connect license and any other remedies available under the applicable licensing agreement.

Below, you will find information on how to become an official Community Connect licensee. After all requirements are received, you will then be notified if your application is approved. Artwork and contract documentation will be provided at that time.