NIL Q and A: Creating Your Own Brand
4/8/2022 9:02:00 AM | Name, Image and Likeness
Creating Your Own Personal Branded Products using Name-Image-Likeness FAQ
1. Kent State is not permitted be involved in your personal brand or endorsements. As a result, photos, and images you are using to promote your personal brand, or another company cannot contain visible logos, marks, or other intellectual property of Kent State, Under Armour, or the Mid-American Conference without prior permission.
2. Wear clothing that does not have any trademarks visible, unless the trademark is associated with the product you are endorsing in the advertisement.
3. If you endorse a product, the endorsement should reflect your honest opinions, beliefs, or experiences with the product. Do not endorse a product you do not like.
4. Do not appear in an advertisement that suggests you use the endorsed product unless you actually use the product.
5. Do not make statements about products that you know to be untrue.
NIL Q&A for Creating a Personal Brand
Q1: Can I have my own website that sells my own personal branded products?
A1: Yes, as long as the website does not utilize images of (1) yourself in uniform, (2) yourself in Kent State (or third party) branded gear, or (3) University Facilities including athletic fields/stadiums. Personal branded products cannot include Trademarks or other indicia of Kent State University or images of yourself in uniform.
Q2: Can I sell (or contract with a third party to sell) apparel featuring an image of myself in a navy blue/gold uniform?
A2: No, unless you get a license from Kent State University. Kent State's navy blue/gold colors, and other indicia on uniform, create an association with the University and cannot be used for NIL related activities or on your own personal website offering product for sale.
Q3: Can I refer to myself as a Kent State University student-athlete?
A3: Yes, you can print a statement concerning your association with the University (e.g., Kent State University Quarterback, Kent State University gymnast, Kent State University athlete) as long as the statement above is accurate and is not made to stand out relative to other printed words in the advertisement or on your own personal website (e.g., same font and size text).
