04/24/2026
I have been asked several times about making items with licensed logos (OU, OSU, OKC THUNDER ETC)
My answer is always that I will not do it and here is the reason why…..
Is it legal to make items with licensed team names and/or logos?
No, it is generally not legal to make and sell garments with licensed logos, brand names, or trademarked designs without explicit, written permission from the owner. Unauthorized use of logos (e.g., Nike, Disney, NFL) on apparel constitutes trademark infringement and, in some cases, copyright infringement, which can lead to lawsuits and fines.
Key details regarding logo apparel:
The Law: Using trademarks on apparel for sale creates a "likelihood of confusion" for consumers regarding who produced the item, which is illegal.
Small Sellers/Etsy: Selling unlicensed items on platforms like Etsy or in small quantities is still infringement. Many sellers simply have not been caught yet, but risk receiving cease-and-desist letters or having their shops shut down.
Personal Use: While making a single item at home for yourself is unlikely to result in legal action, it is technically still infringing on the brand's intellectual property.
Exceptions: You can use images in the public domain (like those from Library of Congress) or create your own original, non-trademarked designs.
To legally sell logo clothing, you must obtain a license from the trademark owner, which typically requires a contract and payment of fees.
Sorry awesome customers, I’ve seen someone get caught more than once and I’m not willing to risk it by breaking the law.
I appreciate you understanding my rule following self.
