Oct. 22, 2014
DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois University Athletics has reached a renewal agreement with Licensing Resource Group (LRG) to manage its trademark licensing opportunities for the next three years, NIU Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier announced Wednesday.
The agreement between NIU and an industry leader in brand development extends through the 2016-17 academic year and provides Huskie Athletics with a financial guarantee during the length of the contract. LRG will partner with the Huskies to achieve greater brand awareness and royalty revenues.
Frazier said the renewed partnership with LRG will provide NIU Athletics with a tremendous opportunity to maximize the NIU brand recognition and increase its licensing revenue.
"Licensing Resource Group is a company that understands the importance of expanding your brand and maximizing the potential of NIU Athletics licensing opportunities," Frazier said. "I'm confident they're going to do a tremendous job creating true partnerships with our licensed vendors and helping to build our brand throughout the region. There's no doubt this agreement will benefit NIU, LRG, and all those looking to take their merchandising to the next level.
"I'm very passionate about the NIU brand and am excited to have a company like LRG on board that feels the same way. This agreement is another step in continuing to move this program forward.
"Similar to our Learfield agreement, this is the result of negotiation to significantly improve our trademark licensing program and protect the integrity of our brand." Frazier added. "This is one of the many areas, Associate Athletic Director Ryan Sedevie oversees, he has been very diligent in trying to establish the NIU brand and his attention to detail on this agreement has helped NIU accomplish that. I've said it many times this is about relationships and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with our partners at LRG."
LRG President and CEO Lewis Hardy said he and his staff on the corporate level are excited to officially announce the renewed partnership with NIU.
"LRG is thrilled to continue our relationship with Northern Illinois University. It is a tremendous brand and we look forward to maximizing its potential together" said Hardy.
LRG provides full license management services to more than 225 colleges and universities, athletic conferences and special properties nationwide. These services include full license management, royalty collection and accounting services, legal and trademark search/registration assistance, complete trademark enforcement/anti-counterfeiting services, and marketing, merchandising and brand development services. For more on becoming a licensed with NIU, visit www.lrgusa.com.
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