According to Scully, “extensive discussions” between Nike and the office of the General Counsel ensued after issues of sweatshops and labor conditions arose during the license application process. He said the University was ultimately satisfied with the corporation’s labor policies.

“Certainly I support, as does the trademark office and the General Counsel’s office, all efforts to work towards improving working conditions of people around the world,” Scully said.

Murphy said he felt confident that the Trademark Office would not license a manufacturer with a questionable labor record to produce Harvard clothing. As for whether students will agree, Scully said he could not speculate on any possible backlash.

“Each and every consumer who walks into the Coop will vote with their wallet,” Scully said.

Nike’s prominent presence in the Coop’s athletic apparel section will not spill over into corporate endorsement of the Harvard Athletic Department, said Director of Athletics Robert L. Scalise.

“Nike has agreed to put athletic retail apparel in the Coop, but that’s very different than the athletic apparel worn by teams representing the University,” Scalese said.

In the past, the athletic department has opposed the full-fledged corporate sponsorship that is common policy at both athletic powerhouses and other Ivy League universities. Scalise said the possibility of an endorsement is “on the list of potential things we might look at, but it’s not in the top ten.”