FanShot

Iowa Defeats Southern Miss

18

When I first saw Southern Mississippi's logo a few years ago I didn't think much about it. I said to myself "Hey that looks kinda neat" and moved on with my life because it's Southern Miss and I didn't think that them creating a logo that looked exactly like the Tigerhawk would affect many people. I was wrong. The University of Iowa decided to "file an opposition" against Southern Miss from trademarking the logo in the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Today, it was sustained in favor of Iowa meaning that Southern Miss cannot trademark their logo. Honestly, I'm not sure what that means for Southern Miss. I'm sure they'll appeal and it will probably result in a favorable outcome for Iowa but I don't know if that means they'll have to redesign their logo or if they'll continue to use it without the trademark. Interesting stuff for those interested in patents and trademarks. So...interesting stuff for nobody. PS: You'll have to click on: BOARD'S DECISION: SUSTAINED under the "Prosecution History" if you want to read the decision that came down today. That link will probably take you to the original complaint filed back in '05.