1. Introduction

This document outlines the official merchandise policy of MWOS Football Club ("MWOS FC," "the Club"). The purpose of this policy is to protect the Club's intellectual property rights, ensure consistent brand representation, and establish procedures for authorised merchandise production and sales.

2. Intellectual Property Rights

2.1 Ownership

MWOS FC owns all rights, title, and interest in and to its name, logo, crest, mascot, slogans, and all other trademarks, service marks, and copyrighted materials related to the Club (collectively "Club Marks").

2.2 Registration

The Club has registered or is in the process of registering all Club Marks with the appropriate intellectual property offices to ensure maximum legal protection.

2.3 Prohibited Use

The unauthorised use, reproduction, distribution, or sale of any material bearing the Club Marks is strictly prohibited and constitutes infringement of the Club's intellectual property rights.

3. Official Licensing Program

3.1 Licensing Authority

Only MWOS FC has the authority to license the use of Club Marks for commercial purposes. All merchandise bearing Club Marks must be produced under a valid license agreement with MWOS FC.

3.2 Licensing Process

Parties interested in producing and selling merchandise featuring Club Marks must:

  • Submit a formal application to the Club's Licensing Department
  • Provide samples or detailed mockups of proposed merchandise
  • Agree to quality standards set by the Club
  • Sign a licensing agreement that includes royalty payment terms
  • Obtain written approval before producing or selling any merchandise

3.3 License Terms

Standard license agreements include:

  • Term length (typically 1-3 years)
  • Territory limitations
  • Royalty rates (typically 8-15% of wholesale price)
  • Minimum guarantee payments
  • Quality control provisions
  • Approval processes for new designs

3.4 Quality Standards

All licensed merchandise must meet or exceed the Club's quality standards regarding:

  • Materials and durability
  • Manufacturing practices
  • Ethical labor standards
  • Accurate representation of Club Marks
  • Overall product quality

4. Approved Merchandise Categories

The following merchandise categories may be licensed subject to approval:

  • Apparel (jerseys, t-shirts, hats, scarves, etc.)
  • Accessories (bags, wallets, phone cases, etc.)
  • Home goods (mugs, glasses, bedding, etc.)
  • Collectibles and memorabilia
  • Stationery and office supplies
  • Digital products

Additional categories may be considered upon request.

5. Enforcement Against Unauthorised Merchandise

5.1 Monitoring

MWOS FC actively monitors the marketplace for unauthorized merchandise through:

  • Regular market surveillance
  • Online monitoring
  • Fan and supporter reporting
  • Cooperation with law enforcement and customs authorities

5.2 Enforcement Actions

The Club reserves the right to take the following actions against unauthorised merchandise:

  • Issue cease and desist notices
  • Pursue civil litigation for intellectual property infringement
  • Seek monetary damages for lost revenue
  • Request seizure of unauthorised merchandise
  • Pursue criminal charges where applicable

5.3 Reporting Unauthorized Merchandise

The Club encourages fans and supporters to report suspected unauthorised merchandise to: licensing@mwosfc.co.zw

6. Fan-Created Content

6.1 Non-Commercial Fan Art

MWOS FC recognises and appreciates the passion of its fans. Non-commercial fan art that incorporates Club Marks may be permitted under the following conditions:

  • The content is created by individual fans for personal use
  • The content is not sold or used for commercial purposes
  • The content does not damage the Club's reputation or brand
  • The content is clearly identified as unofficial

6.2 Fan Groups and Supporters Clubs

Recognised fan groups and supporters clubs may request limited permissions to use certain Club Marks for group activities. Such requests must be submitted in writing and approved by the Club.

7. Official Merchandise Identification

7.1 Authentication Features

All officially licensed MWOS FC merchandise includes authentication features that may include:

  • Official holographic stickers or tags
  • Unique product codes
  • QR codes linking to verification websites
  • "Official Licensed Product" labelling

7.2 Verification

Consumers can verify the authenticity of MWOS FC merchandise by:

  • Checking for authentication features
  • Purchasing from official Club stores or authorised retailers only
  • Verifying authorised retailers on the Club's official website

8. Contact Information

For licensing inquiries:

For reporting unauthorized merchandise:

9. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically at the discretion of MWOS FC. The most current version will be available on the Club's official website.

Last Updated: April 8, 2025
MWOS FC Merchandise Policy v1.0