A greek lettering licensing push to regulate logos on products is being called a scam by manufacturers and might create higher prices locally.

In July, nine national sororities signed licensing aggreements with Greek Properties, Inc. The company promises to protect the patented use of greek emblems and crests.

However, many manufacturers feel the licensing agreement is purely a money-making tactic and consumers will see as much as a 20 percent price increase for products bearing greek symbols.

Greek Properties Marketing Vice-President Pat Battle said Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Gamma and Sigma Sigma Sigma—three sororities with NIU chapters—contracted to make sure their letters are used appropriately.

It is too early to tell if local stores will face higher prices for products labeled with licensed sororities’ letters.

Manufacturers claim licensing the letters has nothing to do with controlling product quality.

“It’s a money-making deal as far as I can tell,” said Judy Olsen, Manager of the greek department and imprinting at the Village Commons Bookstore.

Vendors and manufacturers will be taxed for using the logos and letters on products and will pass the cost to consumers. Royalties will go to the sorority’s national chapter.

One manufacturer said the licensing fee would double the cost of his 35 cent buttons.

But Battle disputes manufacturers’ claims that prices will increase. “The theory of competition says that prices will ulitmately go down.”

By licensing for the use of greek letters, Battle said there will be the opportunity for a wider range of greek products, higher quality merchandise and an expanded market for the sale of greek products.

But Olsen said: “If they can license the use of the greek alphabet, why not license the English alphabet?”

John Vortman, an attorney for Pollock Jewelry, a Chicago-based greek product firm, said manufacturers are lobbying for a bill to use greek letters without licensing, as long as it was made clear the product was not endorsed by the national chapter.

A greek products wholesalers alliance has followed the licensing attempt for nearly five years. They argue it is their job to monitor themselves on the manufacturing of inappropriate products.

Manufacturers warned retailers at a Greek Fair in June about possible price increases. “We were told that we might, or might not, see a price increase,” Olsen said.