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Legal use of a trademarked logo

Discussion in 'Softball Forum' started by Maxfli, Jan 7, 2009.

  1. Jan 7, 2009 at 11:38 AM #1
    Maxfli

    Maxfli Member

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    Our girls travel team recently inquired with the local community college about using their sports logo for the teams uniforms. We had been told that the logo was trademarked and should seek approval first to avoid any repricustations later. They haven't informed us of a decision as of yet, so I thought I'd educate myself a little on the use of trademarked items a little and wanted to start here. The more I read, it seems as if we'd be ok because we wouldn't be in any type of competative marketing with the college nor would any of the printed items containing the logo be sold for profit. I was wondering what advice/suggestions those here on TBR and especially those playing travel ball had. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Jan 7, 2009 at 11:58 AM #2
    Braves

    Braves Watauga Pioneers #6

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    Majority of collegiate and even professional sporting teams have their licensing uses managed by the Collegiate Licensing Company. The use of any Trademark logo of any sporting team without the official CLC seal is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

    If you can recall, MLB sued all youth organizations for using their trademarked team names.

    In my opinion, I would wait until I receive permission prior to using a school's logo.
     
  3. Jan 7, 2009 at 12:16 PM #3
    Maxfli

    Maxfli Member

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    Thanks for your response Braves. We are definitely going to wait, but I wanted to educate myself a little in case they decline. The actual logo they use will be changed, so it won’t be exactly the same. The color scheme will be ours vs. theirs and the lettering (abbreviated) of the actual college’s name will be removed. The actual design and font would remain the same, with the other changes being the only modifications. Does this change things in any way? Thanks again!
     
  4. Jan 7, 2009 at 5:41 PM #4
    cheeze105

    cheeze105 Moderator Staff Member

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    our main business is embroidery/screen printing and yes, changing one thing on the logo will avoid any law suit. we have to be careful in our business, as some of our walk in customers are constantly trying to copy a logo that has been trademarked. we tell them the same thing, something has to be different, be it the font or some small item. but i'd still try to get the ok to be on the safe side....
     
  5. Jan 7, 2009 at 6:22 PM #5
    Braves

    Braves Watauga Pioneers #6

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    Great advice cheeze
     
  6. Jan 8, 2009 at 3:51 PM #6
    fastpitchndad

    fastpitchndad Full Access Member

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    Wise advice

    It is best to recieve permission to use any similarity to a trademarked logo. Western Harnett High School has had problems with thier Logo. It was totally unintentional that the "W" looked liked Wisconsins logo. It also happened to be red. They were forced to change by the university because of "Logo infringement". I'm sure it was not the intent of a local High School to copy a college in Wisconsin.
    I just struggle to understand why the University of Wisconsin would even care.
     
  7. Jan 8, 2009 at 5:38 PM #7
    cheeze105

    cheeze105 Moderator Staff Member

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    MONEY!!!!!
     
  8. Jan 8, 2009 at 6:52 PM #8
    CometFan

    CometFan Moderator

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    Copyright

    I uploaded a video to an online service containing music that I thought was ok to use. Below is the message I got from the online service.

    A copyright owner has claimed it owns some or all of the audio content in your video High School Softball. The audio content identified in your video is One Step Beyond by Karsh Kale. We regret to inform you that your video has been blocked from playback due to a music rights issue.

    The music that I was using came as sample music with windows vista and I thought it was ok to use. Guess I was wrong.
     

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