Brand Licensing Program
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Since the launch of the Almost Heaven campaign in April of 2018, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has
received an overwhelmingly positive response to this branding initiative. Inspired by John Denver’s song, “Take Me
Home, Country Roads,” the beloved anthem is an ode to West Virginia’s scenic beauty and warm hospitality.
In an effort to continue the momentum from the success of this campaign, the Department of Tourism has created
the Brand Licensing Program as an opportunity to share the use of the trademark “West Virginia” logo and “Almost
Heaven” script on consumer goods.
Those interested in producing officially licensed merchandise for sale and/or purchase using the “West Virginia” logo and “Almost Heaven” script can now apply for the rights to market and sell products featuring our brand trademarks.
Those interested in simply using the “West Virginia” logo and “Almost Heaven” script for non-consumer sale uses, such
as special events or promotional and marketing purposes, should apply using the separate logo request form found on
the Department of Tourism Partner Portal.
HOW TO APPLY
All licensing applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be approved before the applicant uses the
brand marks. All applications must be mailed to the Department of Tourism at the address included below and will be
evaluated at the first of every month. However, applicants may submit applications at any time. All approved licensees
must submit each item bearing the mark for approval and record-keeping before the item is produced and appears in
the marketplace. The Department of Tourism reviews the application and has sole discretion to approve or reject the
application provided.
The procedure for the approval or denial of an applicant who is interested in obtaining an “Almost Heaven” license is
as follows:
Step 1
The applicant downloads and completes the Brand Licensing Application form and mails to the West Virginia
Department of Tourism along with a fixed application fee of $275 and printed copies of digital product mock-ups, if applicable.
Please complete and mail the completed application to:
West Virginia Department of Tourism
Attn: Brand Licensing Program
1900 Kanawha Boulevard., East
Building 3, Suite 100, Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
Step 2
The Department of Tourism reviews the application and has sole discretion to approve or reject the application provided.
Step 3
Submit a physical sample of the product for approval to the West Virginia Department of Tourism.
Step 4
Order the official West Virginia Tourism Licensing Product Tags.
PRODUCT CATEGORIES AND PRICING
An officially licensed vendor who wishes to produce and/or sell products bearing the brand marks will be required to pay a 10% royalty fee. This license will expire at the end of the 12-month period as indicated by the contract start date for new vendors. As part of the agreement, the licensee will also offer finished products with trademarks to the Department of Tourism at wholesale price
Products deemed acceptable by the Department of Tourism are as follows:
Novelty and Specialty Items
Examples include:
- Toys: Puzzles, coloring books, frisbees
- Outdoor Recreation: backpacks, bandanas, carabiners, sunglasses
- Home Goods: wood products, furniture, porcelain
- Artwork: print, calligraphy, artist collaborations
- Pottery and Glasswork: ceramic, stoneware, glass
- Craft Food and Drink: artisan food products, handcrafted chocolate, snacks
- Beauty and Soap Products: shampoo, soap lotion
Apparel
Examples of apparel items include:
- Accessories: leather, goods, jewelry, hats
- Apparel: Clothing, t-shirts, knitwear
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions regarding the brand licensing program or if you would be an eligible participant, please contact Katie Light, Industry Partnerships Coordinator at Katie.D.Light@wv.gov.