U of T Trademark Licensing
Sustainability
U of T’s Trademark Licensing program oversees how the University’s marks appear on merchandise. To protect our brand and uphold ethical standards, all officially branded items must be ordered through licensed vendors.
U of T was the first Canadian university to adopt a licensing policy that commits to humane, non-exploitative production and a transparent supply chain. The office partners with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) support that commitment.
Licensed vendors must follow U of T’s Code of Conduct, which requires:
- Compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
- Living-wage provisions and limits on working hours.
- Prohibitions on child and forced labour.
- Supply-chain disclosure and monitoring.
U of T uses the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) to administer licenses. Applicants are reviewed for ethical sourcing and sustainability, must disclose manufacturing locations, and if any production occurs in Bangladesh, they must sign the International Accord. Some licensees may also be required to register with the FLA. The policy includes public reporting on licensee compliance.
How Licensing Advances Sustainability
Ethical and environmental standards built in
The Licensing Code of Conduct embeds social and environmental expectations into every officially branded product from apparel and team gear to promotional items.
Screened, transparent vendors
Only vendors who meet U of T’s ethical-sourcing requirements and disclose their factories are approved, aligning with campus priorities for responsible procurement and transparency.
Practical low-impact choices
The approved network includes vendors with eco-forward options, such as Fairtrade/organic apparel through Green Campus Cooperative and a certified B-Corp distributor. This allows buyers can lower impacts while staying fully compliant.
Demand-side climate action
Facilities projects (e.g., Project LEAP) drive major emissions reductions. Licensing complements this by steering purchasers toward ethical, sustainable merchandise and away from opaque, non-compliant supply chains.
If you’re ordering U of T branded items and want them to be “as sustainable as possible consider the following:
- Start with the Approved Vendors list and ask specifically for recycled, organic, Fairtrade, or low‑waste options, or for proof of third‑party certifications (e.g., FLA/WRC audit coverage).
- Plan early to avoid rush shipping and allow time for compliant factories; confirm the International Accord requirement if any production touches Bangladesh.
- Tie your order to Sustainable Events or Sustainable Offices/Labs checklists (e.g., right‑sizing quantities, reusable items, minimal packaging), so your purchase supports certification.
