How to get licensed with U.S. Army

U.S. Army manages its trademark licensing in-house rather than through an agency. Brands work with the licensing office directly, usually by email with the office's own forms and templates.

Licensing managed by
U.S. Army's own licensing office
Where you apply
Licensing office directly
Typical collegiate royalty
10–15% of net sales
License types

Licenses U.S. Army offers.

Each type is its own approval. Most brands start with the standard license and add others once they’re selling.

  • Standard trademark

    The core license to put the school's names and logos on products, in the categories and sales channels you're approved for.

Step by step

Getting your U.S. Army license.

  1. 01

    Find the licensing contact

    Reach the trademark or licensing office and ask for its licensee application, agreement template and brand standards.

  2. 02

    Submit the application and plan

    Send the completed application with a plan written for U.S. Army: the products, channels and why the line is new for its fans.

  3. 03

    Send insurance and supply-chain documents

    Expect a certificate of insurance with an additional insured endorsement naming the licensor, typically occurrence-based product liability coverage written as dollar figures. You'll also disclose the factories that will make licensed product and confirm your code of conduct.

  4. 04

    Sign the agreement

    Review and sign the license agreement, which sets your approved categories, channels, royalty rate and any advance.

  5. 05

    Get every design approved before you produce

    A signed license doesn't clear you to manufacture. Each product category and sales channel is approved separately, and every piece of artwork is submitted and approved before production. Even small color corrections are resubmitted, so the finished product matches what was approved.

  6. 06

    Report royalties

    Report sales and pay royalties on the schedule in the agreement, including periods with no sales.

Mistakes that slow U.S. Army approvals

  • Assuming another program's process or forms apply here.
  • Producing before the agreement is signed and designs are approved.
FAQ

U.S. Army licensing questions.

Who handles licensing for U.S. Army?
U.S. Army's trademark licensing is managed by U.S. Army's own licensing office, and brands apply through the licensing office directly.
What types of licenses does U.S. Army offer?
U.S. Army offers standard trademark licenses. Each is approved separately, so a standard license doesn't cover NIL, promotional or specialty products.
What royalty rate and advance will I pay for U.S. Army?
Collegiate royalty rates usually fall between 10% and 15% of net sales, and most schools also charge an advance when the license is issued, which is credited against the royalties you owe. U.S. Army's exact rate and advance are set in its license agreement. Onbase can walk you through what to expect before you apply.
Do I need a license to sell products with U.S. Army's logo?
Yes. Any product that uses U.S. Army's names, logos or marks needs a license, and every design has to be approved before it's produced or sold.
Can Onbase help me get licensed with U.S. Army?
Yes. Onbase runs license acquisition for brands end to end: the company application, the U.S. Army request and marketing plan, onboarding documents, and design approvals.

Get licensed

Get licensed with U.S. Army.

Onbase runs the application for you, from the company profile to signed agreements and approved designs.

Get started