The U. S. Postal Service will mark the launch of its commercial licensing program at the 2006 "Licensing International" show this June, expanding its presence in the marketplace with a focus on apparel, fashion, home decor and a variety of lifestyle products. The importance of preserving and communicating the Postal Service brand to the public and upholding our commitment to serving every American, every day, everywhere is more important than ever before. The Postal Service is a symbol of trust and dependability in the life of Americans, and the licensing program is a reflection of that mission.

When did the Postal Service start its licensing program?
An outside firm had been overseeing the day-to-day activities of brand protection and brand assurance. But in 2004 the Postal Service decided to bring that activity in-house and developed a clear strategy that focuses on the commercial market place - outside of Post Office retail lobbies.

Why does the U.S. Postal Service see value in a licensing program?
It provides additional opportunities to reach Postal Service customers and introduces the Postal Service to new customers. The licensing program is also seen as an opportunity to generate additional revenue. The U.S. Postal Service is one of the most recognizable and respected brands in the country. Great care is taken to ensure that merchandise bearing the Postal Service trademark, symbols, images and icons are high quality and present the brand in a way that is consistent with the corporate image of the organization.

What is "intellectual property"?
Stamp art, trademarks, registered marks owned by the U.S. Postal Service. Licensing gives term contracts to companies to use the Postal Service's intellectual properties on specific products outlined in contracts.

What intellectual property will the Postal Service leverage in the licensing program?
There are two categories:
Art - In addition to the stamp program, the Postal Service has a significant private collection of paintings, murals, statues, sculptures and black and white photography that spans the 231-year history of the organization.
Corporate - These include logos and icons controlled by the Postal Service that can be found on all Postal Service products as well as logos and icons from Pony Express, Air Mail and other emblems from the Post Office Department, the predecessor of the current U.S. Postal Service.

What merchandise categories are the Postal Service considering?
The Postal Service is considering new opportunities in fashion apparel and accessories, home décor, publishing and toys while continuing to expand current portfolios in mail and shipping categories as well as philatelic collectibles.

How does the Postal Service decide what to license?
It is the policy of the Postal Service to establish strong, mutually beneficial relationships with its licensees in order to meet its business and competitive objectives. Postal Service license agreements are intended to foster stable relationships with commercial businesses in which both parties work toward a common goal - extension of the U.S. Postal Service brand into new promotional, media and retail channels, and the appropriate commercialization of selected intellectual properties.

What U.S. Postal Service licensed items currently are available?
A number of items have been licensed by the Postal Service, including:

• A line of packaging and shipping products available at Home Depot, K-Mart, and many other stores.
• A sticker book based on the stamp art featuring Curious George, available at Barnes and Noble Bookstores.
• "Patriot Game," an educational board game featuring stamp art of historic images and people, available for purchase by school districts and sold at gift shops.
• Tie clips, pins, magnets at pharmacies, gift shops, dollar stores, military bases.
• Pens, paper, notepads and sticky notes featuring stamp art, available at pharmacies, gift shops, discount stores and U.S. military bases.

For more information on the U.S. Postal Service Licensing Program, please contact Gary Thuro, Manager, Licensing: garyajr.thuro@usps.gov. Questions also may be directed to U.S. Postal Service Public Relations: 202.268.2155.