MCLA Teams Logo/Terminology Use

[benji]

We've recently encountered an issue with athletics regarding the use of our schools name, logos, and terminology. These restrictions apply not only to that of the men's lacrosse team, but to all sport clubs.

The University (athletics) wants us to stop using the double-T (our most recognized logo), the term 'Texas Tech Lacrosse' or 'Texas Tech Club Lacrosse', Red Raiders, Raiders Rojo (I checked), and pretty much anything related to Texas Tech.

I think its absolutely ridiculous that we can't identify ourselves as Texas Tech or even something in its likeness.

Have any other teams encountered a similar problem and if so, how have you managed it? Are there any legal aspects that could work in favor or against?

Thanks.

[Timbalaned]

First off, I have nothing really to help you with, besides a rant.

That is absolutely stupid that the athletic department would try and pull that on the club sports teams. What do they expect you to do? Unless you aren't putting the school to shame, which I doubt you are, or the club sports office would say something, then you should be able to represent your school just like anyone else. I hope you guys get it fixed, cause that would be really sad if you got screwed on something so moronic.

[nhoskins]

At Boise State we are not allowed to use the varsity athletic logo as far as I know. I think we had the same issues at Simon Fraser as well. Both programs allowed use of the name but not the logos. Perhaps Marilyn or Shawn can chime in here...

[Ken Lovic]

This is fairly common to be honest. remember- it usually is a case of quality control. They copyright these logos and want to be sure how they are used. In some cases (most now a days) athletic departments are a separate entity of the Univ and own their own logos. They have the right to do as they see fit.

I would contact your Sport Club Coordinator and find out who on campus approves art work and/or logo designs/uses. You should always have your uniforms/gear approved by them cause otherwise you are violating copyright laws. I remind my clubs all of the time- the school (GT) is very upfront about their clubs- you are NOT an extension of the University. You are entitled to be housed at the Univ but you are not an arm of the Univ.

I know it does not seem fair but a lot of time a conversation with the copyright person on campus can help. They have numerous different titles so ask around. Usually they are in the admissions department or Presidents office.

There are numerous student organizations on campus (chess, archery, biology, lacrosse etc....) Universities are just trying to have a grasp on their logos and NAME to be sure they are used correctly. Realize this goes along with items like tees and sweats you make up for the team and to sell- a huge problem if you do not have the right to do it.
It is not personal- it is a business to them.
Again- get with your Sport Club person and or marketing person to find out a way you can bridge this issue.

[BucLax13]

Southwestern wouldn't recognize our club team so we went with buccaneer instead of pirate and use a a skull/lax stick logo over the schools new flag... in recent years (when are team started winning some games and our popularity on campus sprang up) they changed their tune ... we still go with bucs and our logo and it is almost become it's own little school brand to sell our own t-shirts, hats, shorts... etc. it also allows us to control our own profits (which is nice)...

[PigPen]

The University (athletics) wants us to stop using the double-T (our most recognized logo), the term 'Texas Tech Lacrosse' or 'Texas Tech Club Lacrosse', Red Raiders, Raiders Rojo (I checked), and pretty much anything related to Texas Tech.

you could always go with the black and red guys and all of you wear bandanas around your faces

utterly ridiculous-I bet there are other schools in the same boat but when unofficial graduation numbers come up-I bet some wahoo wants to include lax numbers with real "sports" so that can pump up someone's numbers, because lacrosse players actually graduate.

but don't use our name or logo or we'll sue

[Pinball]

We ran into this issue a few years back because they had assumed that we were using the SJU logo in for-profit situations. We had to explain to the sports information and marketing staff that we are just using it on our jerseys and other gear (shooting shirts, jackets, hats etc) and not selling it. I would consult "the powers at be" whether is be in marketing or even find a few Alum to send an email or two on the teams behalf. And explain zero profit is being made. Once you dig through the 48 layers of crap (probably more at a large institution like TT) you may find a person with power who finds it absolutely ludicrous. (might want to explain to them that large established, distinguished institutions like Michigan, Texas, A&M, USC, Minnesota, Oregon, BC etc are all able to use the schools respective name and logo)

[benji]

This is fairly common to be honest. remember- it usually is a case of quality control. They copyright these logos and want to be sure how they are used. In some cases (most now a days) athletic departments are a separate entity of the Univ and own their own logos. They have the right to do as they see fit.

I would contact your Sport Club Coordinator and find out who on campus approves art work and/or logo designs/uses. You should always have your uniforms/gear approved by them cause otherwise you are violating copyright laws.

I know it does not seem fair but a lot of time a conversation with the copyright person on campus can help. They have numerous different titles so ask around. Usually they are in the admissions department or Presidents office.

All copyrighting for TTU goes through the Department of Athletics. Athletics technically "owns" the logo and all associated trademarks and copyrights. The University has changed all of its logos to that of the university seal, so that they are differentiated from that of athletics.

We (The Sport Clubs Federation Executive Council) are putting together a proposal to present to athletics so that we can have use of the double-T and the term "Red Raiders". The Club Sports Director is on the Executive board alongside myself, so he is well-aware of the situation, however, is hesitant to help for fear of stepping on toes with athletics. It's a very frustrating situation.

We even tried to use Texas Tech Club (insert sport here) and they still refused the offer.

We're not trying to ride on the coattails of athletics or even be perceived as any extension of athletics. The only reason we want to be referred to as 'Texas Tech Lacrosse' is because we ARE the lacrosse team at Texas Tech. A team composed of Texas Tech students who practice at Texas Tech, receive funding (albeit very limited) from Texas Tech, and compete as Texas Tech. There's no effort to profit off the logo or misrepresent the school at all. In years past we've had no trouble getting artwork and logowear approved, but all of the sudden they're getting crazy on us.

[NELAX21]

One thing you can do it just alter the double t logo a little bit. I know kansas state uses the wild cat logo, it just has a lacrosse stick coming from its mouth which i think makes it a new logo. On a lot of our sweatshirt and jackets ect. we use an N that is slightly different (one of the extensions on the bottom of the block N is just not there) because we got in trouble one year for using the "Athletic N" which i never knew existed until then, and found out that the university away from the athletic department actually has its own N logo.

As for being able to use the name, i would try to go as high up in the athletic department as possible, just my experience with athletic departments is that there are a lot of people who either dont have the power to do anything, and will not try to help you because they dont care, or might have a little power but do not want to do anything because they dont want to be blamed for anything.

[cjwilhelmi]

As for being able to use the name, i would try to go as high up in the athletic department as possible, just my experience with athletic departments is that there are a lot of people who either dont have the power to do anything, and will not try to help you because they dont care, or might have a little power but do not want to do anything because they dont want to be blamed for anything.

Dan's right about some people not wanting to help because of fear of reprisal. Dan may have had a little more luck than most because of who his dad is/was/current/whatever.

It might be beneficial to find out what the Athletic Dept would let you use. They may have some ideas that you may not have thought of. Worst comes to worst you can at least understand their position. I would assume that another club sport or university club probably misused the logo or name for personal profit or what not. I don't see the AD making a knee jerk decision like this.

I know it would take time from them but I'm sure if you asked really nicely that Coach Paul or Coach Lovic would right a letter on your behalf explaining the MCLA and what not. Coach Lovic could probably help you out the most in this situation.

Anyway, my suggestion would be to go to the AD and ask what caused his decision (don't complain about it) and find out what you could use. If you can get him talking then you have a leg to negotiate from. Going in begging and pleading probably won't work.

Damn, I'm turning into my dad... Someone stop me from getting older!

Oh and since I'm an outsider I present to you this video: here

Actually if someone could imbed that it would be great. Our computer in our office at LU pretty much sucks....

[FLALAX]

At South Florida we were initially told that use of the athletic trade marked logo was not allowed. We met with an assistant athletic director and were granted use of the symbol based on the provision we would not try to profit from its use. We use it on our uniforms, shirts etc but when we sell things for fund raising we use different logos.

Meet with your schools club sports group and let them work with athletics. Good luck.

[nhoskins]

Actually if someone could imbed that it would be great. Our computer in our office at LU pretty much sucks....

You have an office at LU?!? Man.. I'm assisting at the wrong school

[MountaineerLax]

University of Northern Colorado had the same issue. They even beat on them about the colors they were using.

They are no longer refered to as "UNC" but "NC" and they're colors have changed to a darker blue and a more true gold than yellow. Their logo has also changed (you almost never see them use any reference to the Bears either - it's just "NC").

Much like others though... they have found it beneficial in the sense that they sell more merchandise with the new look because, frankly, it looks better.

You can see their website at: http://www.nocolacrosse.com/

And contact info. can be found at: http://www.rmlax.com/contacts.cfm

[tmatlacrosse]

I am sorry to hear that this has happened to several such schools. I want to say something regarding your club sport director. He needs to grow some balls. If you are some kind of extension of the University and not the Athletic Department then he should not be afraid of this situation. He needs to step and do his job, which is representing the sport clubs of Texas Tech. The Athletic Department doesn't write his check. If anything I'm sure that his check is somehow taken out of the student funds, which is what happens at FSU. This is obviously a case where the athletic department is not actually attached to the University, which is total BS. I wish you the best of luck in the use of the TT symbol in the future.