University of Notre Dame Announces New Alliance with Fermata Partners

Licensing Agency Will Begin Work Immediately On Behalf Of University’s Trademark Licensing Program

ATLANTA, GA (July 1, 2015) – The University of Notre Dame has finalized an agreement with Atlanta-based Fermata Partners to begin management of the University’s trademark licensing program, effective July 1, 2015.  The University is among the nation’s most popular collegiate consumer product brands, featuring such well-recognized icons as the Interlocking ND logo and the Leprechaun, which has been the official mascot since 1965.

“Notre Dame’s trademark licensing program has a long-standing history of leadership and innovation,” said Dave Harr, Associate VP for Auxiliary Operations and Chair of the University of Notre Dame’s Trademark Licensing Committee. “Fermata’s planned approach to our consumer product strategy is consistent with our vision and we look forward to working alongside our new partners to develop and execute a world class licensing program for our students, alumni and fans worldwide.”

Notre Dame’s trademark licensing program was established in the early 1980’s as one of the nation’s first collegiate licensing programs. The University is widely respected within the marketplace for the breadth and depth of its brand affinity, and its continued commitment to high quality standards among its licensees. The University’s licensing philosophy is showcased at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore – the top seller of Notre Dame merchandise, and a captivating retail experience for students, alumni and fans.  Notre Dame currently has 210 licensees that will begin the contract transition process immediately.

Notre Dame becomes the fifth university to align with Fermata, joining Kentucky, Georgia, Oregon, and Miami, all of which have partnered with the firm in the past year.

“We are honored to align with the University of Notre Dame to help guide its consumer product licensing strategy,” said Derek Eiler, Co-founder and Managing Director of Fermata Partners.  “There is no place quite like Notre Dame and we are humbled to work closely with the University to innovate and execute a comprehensive licensing strategy that will deeply connect with students, alumni, and fans across the U.S. and around the world.”

Based in Atlanta, Fermata Partners is a specialized consumer products licensing agency focused on colleges and universities, global football clubs and iconic lifestyle brands. The firm has assembled a diverse team with broad experience in the collegiate licensing industry as well as licensing for other sports and lifestyle brands.  Fermata Partners is a division of CAA Sports. 

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For more information, contact: Beth McClinton of Fermata Partners/CAA Sports at beth.mcclinton@caa.com or 424-288-2247

For High Resolution Notre Dame Images, please visit: https://caa.box.com/NotreDameFermataReleaseImages

(all photo credits should be noted as: © University of Notre Dame)