Assignment:
The Athletic Department at State University has created numerous logos and designs for use in its merchandising program. For each logo and design, State University Athletics has sought and received federal trademark registration.
The athletic department has recently hired your team to oversee the merchandising program and to develop a licensing program for the marks and logos of State University Athletics. Upon your arrival, you discover that dozens of business, charitable organizations, and schools are using the marks and logos throughout the state.
In an essay of 1,000 to 1,250 words, address the following and outline a strategy for preventing unauthorized use of State University's logo.
- Assuming the use of the logo is unauthorized, what must State University show in order to prevail if it decided to pursue trademark infringement action against these users, and how would such a showing be made?
- Assuming your boss would want to file a lawsuit only as a last resort, what steps would you endorse to curb this unauthorized use?
Reference at least three academic resources in your essay.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide.