License Exception Request
One Size Doesn’t Fit Every Situation
We know the standard path won’t fit every situation. That’s why our licensing program includes a formal royalty exception process.
An FFA entity can request a royalty exception when the usual licensing route doesn’t quite apply. Requests are processed within one business week, and exceptions are exempt from royalties on that specific approved project. Designs still require brand approval before manufacturing.
When to Request an Exception
An FFA state group or chapter can request a license exception in the following situations:
- A vendor is making an in-kind donation of an FFA product to an FFA entity.
- An FFA entity and a company are entering a commercial co-venture, generally limited to the Proud to Support mark.s
- The product needed isn’t available from Shop FFA or a licensed vendor. The product must be unavailable, not just a design difference, so t-shirts would never be an approved exemption because we have thousands of t-shirts available from ShopFFA and our licensees.
- The FFA entity can acquire the product at 30% or more below the price available through Shop FFA or licensed vendors. A quote must be provided as the FFA licensing team will check ShoppFFA and licensee pricing.
- We offer a first-time-use exemption for first-year licensees on sales up to $25,000, meant to help smooth their transition into the licensing program. This is a one-time royalty exemption on one project.
FFA Supporters can also use the exception process when a conflict arises between their own company’s trademark policies and FFA’s, so we can find a resolution together.
A few things to remember
- It may take up to a week for the national FFA team to approve an exception request.
- Exceptions 1-4 will still require brand approval. Instructions will be provided when exceptions are approved.
- Exceptions 3-5 are one-time only per vendor. If the vendor sells items to multiple chapters or the same chapter multiple times, they should become licensed FFA vendors.
Submit Your Request
Are you a corporate partner whose own trademark policy conflicts with FFA's? Use the supporter trademark-policy form
Requested an exception before? Log in first and this request is attached to your account, alongside the others.
First time? Just fill in the form — we will create your account as you submit, and you will be signed in when it is filed.
