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| May
8, 2006 |
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The following memo and statement were released today regarding the 12th Man
Trademark.
MEMORANDUM
To: Texas A&M Students, Faculty and Staff
Subject: 12th Man Trademark Settlement
I'm pleased to inform you that, after months of negotiations, the university
has reached an amicable agreement with the Seattle Seahawks resolving the
controversy regarding the use of Texas A&M's 12th Man trademark. Under the
agreement, the university has granted the NFL team a license to use the 12th
Man trademark in a seven-state area in the northwest that encompasses the
current primary broadcast area of the Seahawks. As is the case of all
licensees, the Seattle Seahawks will pay the university a licensing fee and
will state publicly that Texas A&M owns the 12th Man trademark each time it
is used.
It is hard for non-Aggies-and the media-to understand the depth of what the
12th Man reference and depiction-and the underlying tradition - means to Texas
A&M and as a result, the university was criticized for vigorously opposing
use of the trademark by the Seahawks. As you know, the 12th Man is more than a
trademark, greater than football and certainly more than changing the course of
a football game. The 12th Man is a call to action for Aggies. It symbolizes
loyalty and our unique Aggie Spirit. It creates friendships where none existed
before, heals wounds that seemed to be beyond repair and creates a common
language that Aggies speak all over the world.
We had no choice but to challenge the Seattle Seahawks, just as we must protect
and defend in every way possible all of our trademarks - and none is more
crucial than that of the 12th Man because of all it means to Aggies. We have
not only protected the 12 Man trademark, but have strengthened it for the
future to ensure that others cannot successfully challenge us.
Now, we are in a position to license our trademark as a means of broadening our
coverage and unquestioned ownership of the mark in both professional and
collegiate sports.
In the fall, you will see an unprecedented focus on our 12th Man trademark here
at Texas A&M. Our goal is to maximize the recognition and connection to our
school.
Gig 'em,
Steven B. Moore
Chief Marketing Officer & Vice President for Communications
The following is a joint statement from Texas A&M
University and the Seattle Seahawks regarding the 12th Man trademark
settlement:
"Texas A&M University and the Seattle Seahawks announced that they have
agreed on the scope of Seattle's future use of the 12th Man trademark. The
agreement resolves all of the issues presented in the pending lawsuit, which
has been dismissed. Neither side admitted any fault or liability. The Seahawks
acknowledge Texas A&M's ownership rights in the mark and will continue to
use the mark under license in connection with the Seahawks' operations,
promotions and fan activities throughout the Pacific Northwest."
505 George Bush Drive
College Station, Texas 77840
(979) 845-7514
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