CLC and NCAA Working Together to Address Counterfeit Merchandise at NCAA Men's Final Four(R); NCAA Marks Will Be Protected in Indianapolis (Ind.) at Final Four Games and Events.

ATLANTA -- As the teams prepare for their Final Four(R) match-ups, The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and the NCAA are making preparations to rid the market of potential counterfeit and unlicensed merchandise.

CLC and the NCAA will work closely with Indianapolis law enforcement officials to patrol the marketplace in search of counterfeiters selling "knock-off" merchandise and any other unauthorized trademark use of marks bearing the NCAA or participating schools. CLC has administered the NCAA Licensing Program since 1997. All counterfeit merchandise is subject to seizure.

"Protecting the integrity and reputation of the NCAA and the universities we represent is our primary concern," said Bruce Siegal, Senior Vice President and General Counsel. "By working with law enforcement officials we are able to effectively deter the sale of counterfeit merchandise and provide an atmosphere where only officially licensed merchandise is sold."

"It's important that we protect NCAA licensed marks because revenue generated from merchandise sales is returned to NCAA colleges and universities, where it can be used for student-athlete athletic programs and initiatives that reinforce academics," said Peter Davis, Director of Corporate Alliances.

When purchasing NCAA merchandise, consumers should always look for the following characteristics to ensure the merchandise they purchase is officially licensed:

--All officially licensed merchandise should display the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" Hologram somewhere on the product or hangtag.

--The merchandise should depict the NCAA marks in a tasteful manner, as the NCAA does not approve distasteful designs.

--The tag on the garment should be intact. A torn or missing tag is evidence of a second-hand garment, one that probably would not meet the stringent quality standards in place by the NCAA.

--All merchandise should bear the name of the manufacturer somewhere on the product, either in the form of a hangtag, a neck label, or screen-printed directly on the garment.

--All merchandise should have the appropriate trademark designations (i.e. TM, (R)) next to a specific name or design.

About The Collegiate Licensing Company

The Collegiate Licensing Company is the oldest and largest collegiate licensing agency in the nation. CLC currently represents more than 200 colleges, universities, bowl games, athletic conferences, The Heisman Trophy, and the NCAA (including the Men's and Women's Final Four, the College World Series, and all NCAA Championships). Headquartered in Atlanta, CLC is a full-service licensing representative, which employs a staff of more than 80 licensing professionals who provide full-service capabilities in brand protection, brand management, and brand development.

About the NCAA

The NCAA is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 360,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 49,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA Championships in Division I, II and III sports. For more information, go to www.ncaa.org.