Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse University is engaged in a legal tussle with one of its most famous former athletes over his desire to trademark the use of “44′s” and “My SU Life” to sell clothing, smoking accessories and for use as part of a sports bar or smoking lounge.
The school filed objections to Coleman’s trademark claims this week with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
“We have great admiration for Derrick Coleman and appreciate the significant ways he has contributed to Syracuse University over the years,” Syracuse University Senior Associate Vice President for Communications Sarah Scalese said in a statement. “The University has been in close contact with him and continues to work to reach a resolution on his proposed business plans. As this is a legal matter, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
Scalese declined to provide specifics about Coleman’s business plans or the school’s objections.
Neither Coleman, nor his lawyer, responded to a request for comment.
In its filed objection, the school argued that Coleman’s use of the two trademarks will cause confusion among customers.
Coleman is seeking a trademark for the use of “44′s” on clothing, for use as part of a sports bar, restaurant or smoking lounge and for use on smoking accessories. He is seeking a trademark for the use of “my SU life” on clothing.
In its objection to the “44′s” trademark, Syracuse cited its long-time use of the number 44 on school merchandise and as part of Club 44 in the JMA Wireless Dome. It argued that the number has become widely-recognized as an indication that an item is produced or endorsed by the university.
In its objection to the “My SU Life” trademark, the school argued that it owns a trademark on the use of “SU” on a variety of items. It pointed out that the phrase “my SU life” on various articles of clothing that have already been produced by clothing companies that the school licenses.
Coleman’s…
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