“Don’t mess with Texas” is an unspoken rule down south, and apparently Florida State didn’t receive that memo.
In an effort to promote their school’s ticket sales, Florida State used a player with the phrase “12th Man” across the nameplate for a newspaper ad, which was also posted on Florida State’s Twitter account.
As expected, it didn’t take long before Texas A&M responded, as Aggie’s associate athletic director Jason Cook took to Twitter to display his disapproval.
Attn: @FSU_Football. There is the one and only #12thMan, and it belongs to Texas A&M. #Trademarked. http://t.co/eQrbwZ2S0h
— Jason Cook (@jason_cook) June 1, 2014
Cook also had a response for those who defended Florida State use of the “12th man” trademark by firing off the following tweet shortly afterwards.
Lots of internet lawyers out today. Trademarks are not based on the last nat’l champion, or if I’ve been to a team’s stadium. #12thMan
— Jason Cook (@jason_cook) June 1, 2014
Since then, Florida State has made the correct move by not listening to those online lawyers and instead issuing out a new revise, updated version of their ad via Twitter.
Tickets for Citadel, Wake, Virginia and BC are on sale now #Noles fans @FSUTickets http://t.co/8ppd0L0OiA pic.twitter.com/5OiKUadloC
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) June 2, 2014
If the Seattle Seahawks have to pay to use the “12th man” trademark then Florida State couldn’t possibly think they could borrow the trademark for advertising purposes for free. I’m sure Texas A&M won’t mind if you borrow their “12th man” trademark, but if you do go ahead and write your check out to Texas A&M in advance. This will make Jason Cook one happy man.
