Given the University's renowned reputation for excellence in education, and the presence of students, alumni, and associates of UC Berkeley residing or traveling around the world, demand exists for merchandise displaying the University's name and/or marks. In support of this demand, OMBO manages the University’s International Licensing Program and its extensive trademark portfolio.
Global Recognition
The International Licensing Program helps to position the Berkeley brand worldwide and to reinforce the preeminence of the University of California, Berkeley as a premier learning center and the foremost research institution in the world.
In 2006, the Washington Monthly [Create Link] ranked Berkeley as the best overall public university in fostering scientific and humanistic research, as well as public service. In 2005, the London Times [Create Link] named Berkeley as the number one public university in the world.
International Reach
The UC Berkeley campus accommodates international students from 101 countries and 2000 visiting international scholars. The University has over 434,000 alumni worldwide, and former students celebrate their affiliation with Berkeley through alumni clubs in 25 countries across the globe.
International Licensing Program
OMBO is committed to increasing the visibility of the University overseas through the licensing and marketing UC Berkeley's name and other trademarks. OMBO will accomplish this through cooperative partnerships with companies that have distribution channels abroad.
The goals of the International Licensing Program are to:
- Expand the presence and awareness of UC Berkeley outside the United States
- Educate and communicate the University’s values and traditions
- Build relationships/partnerships to distribute licensed products and services
- Extend the reach of the UC Berkeley brand worldwide
- Stay at the forefront of technology and creativity
UC Berkeley's licensing program regulates, promotes, and protects the commercial use of the University's name and identifying marks. Licensing is an agreement wherein the owner of a trademark awards another party the right to use that mark in exchange for payment of a royalty.
Merchandise Quality
A major emphasis of the University's international licensing program is to ensure that all products using the University's name, marks, and symbols are of the highest quality. Proper use of the University's name also stimulates public awareness and support. OMBO only grants licenses for products that reflect positively upon the University and are appropriate and in keeping with the mission of the institution.
Licensed Products
UC Berkeley branded merchandise is available in a variety of product categories and is distributed through a number of distribution channels worldwide.
Categories: Includes but is not limited to apparel, school supplies, personal care items, consumables, housewares, electronics, sporting goods, toys
Distribution Channels: Retail outlets; sporting goods stores; boutiques; major department stores; direct mail marketing catalogs; online
International Trademarks
UC Berkeley currently has trademark registrations in the United States, Korea, Japan, France, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, and the European Union (EU). A number of others are pending approval. UC Berkeley-branded merchandise is distributed in the U.S., Canada, Korea, Japan and the EU.
OMBO is actively seeking licensees or licensing agents in international territories. A professional licensing agent is primarily responsible for identifying prospective licensees in the territory assigned to them, and assisting in the trademark licensing process. They also ensure that licensees comply with the terms of their trademark license agreements and, in return for their services, receive a percentage of the royalties they collect from licensees.
If you are interested in becoming a licensing agent for the Berkeley campus, please contact:
Jan Gonsalves
Manager – Business & International Operations
Office of Marketing & Business Outreach
University of California, Berkeley
6701 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 218 (MC 1928)
Oakland, CA 94608
Phone: 510.642.9120
Fax: 510.666.2550
E-mail: jang [at] berkeley [dot] edu