Seattle Seahawks and Texas A&M settle 12th Man trademark dispute

The Seahawks posted the following message on its website:

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 in the Pacific Northwest.

Another article here.

Info on Texas A&M's registered 12th Man trademark here and here.

A related interesting note, Australian company Talbot & Maxwell Pty Ltd filed an application for 12th Man for beer and non-alcoholic carbonated beverages.  NFL Properties, LLC (but not Texas A&M) was granted two extensions of time to oppose, but failed to file a Notice of Opposition.  Having no other potential opposers, the Patent and Trademark Office issued a Notice of Allowance on April 11, 2006.

Tags: trademark, opposition, litigation, settlement, license, Seattle Seahawks, Texas A&M