Winthrop University Partners With Affinity Licensing
Staff Report From York County CEO
Tuesday, July 10th, 2018
Winthrop University is pleased to announce a new partnership with Affinity Licensing to manage the university's trademark licensing program. Winthrop becomes one of the founding partners of Affinity's new collegiate division.
"We are extremely excited about the new partnership with Affinity," said Ken Halpin, Winthrop's director of athletics. "Their experience in the licensing industry and enthusiasm for Winthrop will be instrumental in bringing more consistency to our branding efforts, putting more Eagle merchandise into the marketplace and ultimately growing the Winthrop brand throughout our area."
As part of the agreement, which took effect July 1, Affinity will act as the exclusive licensing agency to manage the university's consumer products licensing relationships with manufacturers and retailers. The university will have access to innovative technology and processes that allow for better brand protection, as well as leverage Affinity's retail and merchandising expertise to expand product categories, launch new products and grow retail distribution.
"We are extremely grateful to be chosen as Winthrop University's licensing partner," said Wil Spires, partner of Affinity Licensing. "Our core values, experience and passion for helping universities grow their brands through innovative licensing and merchandising strategies align perfectly with Winthrop's vision in creating a better approach to brand management. It is a special honor to welcome the Eagles as one of Affinity's first collegiate clients."