Apparel & Merchandise
Our Trojan pride showcases who we are and what we represent. We demonstrate this pride is through our apparel and merchandise.
The Trojan Zone Bookstore will work with its vendors for DSU's trademark licensing. Our goal is to provide manufacturers with the resources and flexibility to create products featuring DSU logos and graphic marks while also ensuring our reputation and brand identity are presented accurately.
Dakota State's merchandise guidelines ensure the correct and legal use of all DSU trademarks. To utilize official elements, licenses must be obtained for any DSU trademark, image, or photograph used on any product that will be sold to the general public or to campus departments and organizations. Furthermore, permission must be obtained by companies or organizations wanting to associate with DSU through its names or logos.
All licensing for Dakota State University should be completed through the DSU Marketing and Communications department. Email marketing@dsu.edu to begin the application process.
By adhering to the following guidelines, we can ensure all DSU apparel and merchandise is designed and crafted using the highest possible standards.
Traditional merchandise
The following guidelines apply to any company or group interested in manufacturing DSU-branded products that will be sold to consumers through retail distribution channels (including online).
To inquire about requirements for licensing and to apply, companies must complete an application and the requirements for licensing as outlined by the DSU Marketing and Communications Department.
Based on the information provided, DSU will determine whether a license will be granted to the applicant.
The basic requirements for licensing include the following: completing your application, providing proof of product liability insurance (amount based on the product category), signing a license agreement (and authorized manufacturer agreements if needed), signing the labor code agreement, paying the applicable advance, getting all designs and products approved, and reporting royalties on the sale of DSU merchandise.
Dakota State University reserves the right to prohibit the use of its trademarks with certain issues and products, such as alcohol, tobacco, candidates for public office, and those products that infringe upon another entity’s trademarks or would be considered in poor taste by the general public. DSU will not license products that do not meet minimum standards of quality or good taste; are dangerous, or carry high-liability risks.
Student organizations and campus departments
An organization implies an association with DSU whenever it uses our name and or logos in tandem with its own. Therefore, only officially recognized student organization can use the DSU logo and name in conjunction with their own organization’s designation.
Any product bearing a DSU logo or a specific departmental logo must be purchased from a licensed manufacturer. Using an officially licensed company to manufacture a product ensures that the company has provided the correct product liability insurance and signed the University’s labor code of conduct.
To ensure consistency in the use of the DSU name and logos, all product designs must be approved before production by the DSU Marketing and Communications Department. The manufacturer can submit their design for approval on behalf of the organization/department. However, if there are questions concerning the design, the organization’s representative may contact the DSU Marketing Department directly.
Recognized student organizations and campus departments may include sponsor names/logos on event promotional items in conjunction with the DSU marks under the following conditions:
- The student organization/department's name must be included to communicate that the relationship is a partnership with a group and not an endorsement by DSU
- The use of University marks, in conjunction with other sponsor names/logos, is considered a promotional item whether sold or given away
- Based on the scope of the program, a rights fee may be assessed
Affiliated organizations
Any product bearing the DSU name or any of the University logos must be purchased from a licensed manufacturer. Doing so helps ensure the company has provided all the necessary credentials. Contact the DSU Marketing and Communications Department for a list of licensed manufacturers.
All product designs must be approved by the DSU Marketing and Communications Department to ensure consistency of all names and logos. We encourage affiliated organizations to submit their designs prior to production. If there are questions concerning the design, the organization’s representative may directly contact the DSU Marketing and Communications at marketing@dsu.edu.
When choosing merchandise, keep in mind the size of live space available to imprint your message. Some items’ imprint area is very small, leaving very little area for your message. When type gets too small, the ink may fill in, making your message illegible.
Questions regarding artwork for merchandise or regarding licensed vendors?
Contact the DSU Marketing and Communications Department by email at marketing@dsu.edu.