Learn how to get officially licensed by CLC to sell college apparel legally. Step-by-step guide for starting your own collegiate merchandise business.

How to Get Licensed by CLC to Sell Official Collegiate Apparel

Are you an entrepreneur or brand looking to sell college T-shirts, hoodies, or hats? If you're asking, "How do I get licensed to sell college apparel?", you're in the right place.

To sell officially licensed collegiate apparel, you’ll need permission to use university names, logos, and mascots on your products. That permission comes in the form of a college merchandise license—most commonly through the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).

Here’s everything you need to know to become a licensed college apparel seller.

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What Is a College Apparel License?

Before you can sell a shirt with a college logo or mascot, you need a license. College trademarks are protected by law, and unauthorized use is considered infringement.

Getting a license through CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company) allows you to legally sell college-branded apparel and access over 700 institutions represented by CLC. It also adds credibility to your brand and opens the door to major marketplaces and retailers.

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Types of CLC Licenses for Collegiate Apparel

There are several types of licenses available depending on your business goals:

• Retail License: For selling college apparel to the general public via your website, stores, or online marketplaces.

• Internal Campus Supplier License: For vendors supplying gear only to a university’s departments or clubs.

• Local License: For selling to a specific college’s market, often within a geographic region.

• Crafter’s License: Limited license for handmade college merchandise in small quantities (offered by some schools).

If you're planning to start or grow a collegiate apparel business, the CLC retail license is likely the best fit.

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How to Get a License to Sell Official College Apparel (Step-by-Step)

1. Set Up Your Apparel Business

Before applying for a CLC college apparel license, make sure your business is ready:

• Register your business (LLC or sole proprietorship)

• Design mockups of the apparel you want to sell

• Choose production and fulfillment partners

• Create a basic online presence (website, social media)

2. Apply Through the CLC Licensing Portal

Go to clc.com and start your application. You’ll need to:

• Provide your company details

• List the schools you want to license

• Submit product mockups (no trademarks yet)

• Pay an application fee (typically $250–$500)

• Wait for review and school approvals

The process may take several weeks or longer, depending on how many colleges you apply to.

3. Follow Brand Guidelines & Royalty Agreements

Once approved, you’ll receive access to:

• Official brand assets (logos, fonts, etc.)

• Royalty agreements (usually 10–12% of sales)

• A system to submit designs for approval (via Brand Manager 360)

You must submit every design for review before printing and ensure all college apparel follows each school’s branding rules.

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Benefits of Getting Licensed to Sell College Apparel

✅ Legally use college logos and names
✅ Sell on your own store and marketplaces like Fanatics, Amazon, etc.
✅ Build a brand that college fans trust
✅ Avoid takedowns, copyright issues, and legal risk

Whether you're building a Shopify store or designing apparel for game day, official licensing unlocks real business potential in the $5+ billion collegiate merchandise market.

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Common Questions About the CLC License Process

How long does it take to get licensed to sell college apparel?
Typically 4–8 weeks or longer, depending on the schools and product types.

Do I need a license for every school?
Yes. Each college must approve your application. You can start with a few and expand later.

Can I sell college apparel on Etsy or Amazon?
Only if you're licensed. These platforms increasingly require proof of licensing for collegiate merch.

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Final Thoughts: Start Selling College Apparel the Right Way

Selling officially licensed college apparel is a smart, scalable business—especially if you go through the proper channels. A CLC license not only protects your business legally, it positions your brand as a trusted player in the collegiate gear space.

If you’re serious about growing your apparel line, getting licensed is the first big step.

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