Trademark of a Public University Building Name

[asauti]

Since it is a public institution, can a university in the State of Oregon claim ownership of the name of one of their buildings/structures? The goal is to know that I cannot be prosecuted for putting the name of a stadium on a t-shirt and selling it.

 

[justalayman]

yes they can.

 

[quincy]

Since it is a public institution, can a university in the State of Oregon claim ownership of the name of one of their buildings/structures? The goal is to know that I cannot be prosecuted for putting the name of a stadium on a t-shirt and selling it.

Yes, a university in the State of Oregon, and in all states, can claim ownership of a name of one of their buildings or structures - in fact, it is common for universities to have trademark-protection on buildings and structures.

You can be sued for using the trademarks of others in a commercial venture without authorization from the trademark holder. A criminal prosecution is unlikely to result from the use of another's trademark in the way you propose, however.

Following is a link to a recent thread that addressed the same issue you are concerned about here, although it addresses it in more depth and includes links to other similar threads with additional information. You might find it useful - starting with Post #13.

https://forum.freeadvice.com/patents-104/quick-trademark-copyright-question-611004.html

You are smart to inquire about the legalities of printing your tee-shirts with university trademarks prior to creating your tee-shirts.

 

[single317dad]

In fact, this exact question is answered on the University of Oregon's licensing page:

http://uomarketing.com/licensing/trademarks/

Off-topic, The University of Wisconsin even limits usage of the school name by student organizations:

http://www.guide.cfli.wisc.edu/name_logo_policies.htm

 

[quincy]

In fact, this exact question is answered on the University of Oregon's licensing page:

http://uomarketing.com/licensing/trademarks/

Off-topic, The University of Wisconsin even limits usage of the school name by student organizations:

http://www.guide.cfli.wisc.edu/name_logo_policies.htm

All of the universities I am familiar with have websites with an IP page detailing what is rights-protected, and the process involved in licensing rights to use the universities' IP.

Most universities make a LOT of money from selling university-related goods. They are not about to lose these rights through a lack of vigilance. They keep a close eye on what is marketed. And they are not shy about sending out notices of infringement, acquiring injunctions to prevent future sales, confiscating unauthorized goods, demanding compensation, and suing infringers.

 

[asauti]

Trademarking the name of Public Buildings

The more specific question I might be asking is:

How can an institution claim special ownership of the name of a building when they are a public entity?

Isn't the definition of a public entity that which is owned by The State and its Citizens?

For example, we know already that it is legal to print and sell a t-shirt with Alaska on it. Further, would it not be legal to sell a t-shirt with Utah Supreme Court on it?

Why then would any other public building name be illegal?

In response to this topic, if you can, please cite your legal sources.

 

[quincy]

The more specific question I might be asking is:

How can an institution claim special ownership of the name of a building when they are a public entity?

Isn't the definition of a public entity that which is owned by The State and its Citizens?

For example, we know already that it is legal to print and sell a t-shirt with Alaska on it. Further, would it not be legal to sell a t-shirt with Utah Supreme Court on it?

Why then would any other public building name be illegal?

In response to this topic, if you can, please cite your legal sources.

Here are a couple of good legal sources - the US Copyright Office and the United States Patent and Trademark Office:

http://www.copyright.gov

http://www.uspto.gov

Laws allow for the ability of individuals and entities to protect their rights to names used as identifiers and to protect their rights in original and creative works. There is a difference in what is available for the public to access and what can be freely used by the public without permission.

Please read the information provided in all of the links provided to you first and, if you have additional questions, you are more than welcome to post back with them.