Need Input on a Logo/Header

GreenMachine has been kind enough to volunteer to create us a header and logo that won't, as Heat Miser so eloquently put it, "get you sued".  I have had multiple people tell me this, so I guess its time to listen.

Green had a great idea and suggested opening up the discussion and letting the board decide.  Any legal advice from the lawyers on the board would be appreciated.  I'm assuming we can use the name Spartan Swill, since spartan means many things, and Hondo hasn't been sued (guessing) for using "Spartan Nation" in his logo.  If I'm wrong, tell me now.

So, ideas for a logo and/or site header ITT please.  TIA.

Not a lawyer (thankfully) but if you read MSU's trademark and licensing webpage, it refers to the Sparty mascot in full-length being trademarked.

Murky Waters wrote:Not a lawyer (thankfully) but if you read MSU's trademark and licensing webpage, it refers to the Sparty mascot in full-length being trademarked.

That is interesting. The current header has grown on me. I'd kinda like to keep it...

If you'd feel better, look up the number for MSU's licensing office and call them.  Ask to speak to Terry Livermore.  I had reason to correspond with him on a trademark infringement issue and he was very cordial and seemingly not a dick or anything.  He'll let you know if you're infringing.

Murky Waters wrote:If you'd feel better, look up the number for MSU's licensing office and call them.  Ask to speak to Terry Livermore.  I had reason to correspond with him on a trademark infringement issue and he was very cordial and seemingly not a dick or anything.  He'll let you know if you're infringing.

That's great Murky, I will do that. Thanks for the info.

Also, even if it's an infringement and they find out about it, they're not going to sue you. Most likely you'd get a cease and desist notification. If you tell them to go **** themselves and not take it down, THEN they might sue you. lol

Murky Waters wrote:Also, even if it's an infringement and they find out about it, they're not going to sue you.  Most likely you'd get a cease and desist notification.  If you tell them to go **** themselves and not take it down, THEN they might sue you. lol

This is always what I assumed would happen, but better safe than sorry I guess.

No links can be posted for seven days after registering on this mug, so here’s a tricked-up link to MSU’s licensing page.  Ignore the first “h” in hhtp when you copy and paste.

hhttp://licensing.msu.edu/trademarks.html

Note the specific use of “full-length” when referring to Sparty.  That would seem to indicate that using just a head and shoulder shot of Sparty as you’ve done is not an infringement.  

Michigan State University
Terry Livermore
Manager, Trademark Licensing
216 MSU Union
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 355-3434
livermo6@msu.edu

Great stuff Murk. Thanks. BTW, I lifted the link hiatus. Will probably put it back once we get all the regulars over.