Why does NAWS give vendors a license to use NA’s property?
There is a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy when it comes to trademarks. If NAWS does not use the trademark on a particular type of item (e.g., jewelry, apparel, etc.), then the fellowship will lose ownership of the trademark on that type of product. Since NAWS does not produce all the various items that our members want, they license vendors to produce those items instead. The licensing program allows for the fellowship to maintain ownership of the trademarks and ensure that these trademarks are used appropriately. Licensing a vendor to use NA logos and trademarks is not, in our opinion, a violation of the Sixth Tradition.
