Texas A&M officials have consulted with their legal team in charge of trademark enforcement, a school spokesman confirmed today, after the Denver Broncos allowed a parachutist to enter the team’s stadium Sunday under a flag with the words “12th Man” on it. A&M holds the trademark for the phrase “12th Man,” which led to a public battle _ and eventual settlement _ with the Seattle Seahawks during the 2005-06 season, when that franchise used the phrase prominently during its playoff run.
Jason Cook, Texas A&M’s vice-president of marketing and communications, said today that no formal action has been taken in regard to the Broncos’ situation. In an email, Cook said the school’s first step in trademark infringement cases “is always education.” But a cease and desist order is possible.
After Sunday’s game, Cook tweeted: “FYI #Broncos, the 12th Man belongs to Texas A&M. We saw the flag today and will defend our trademark. #TAMU #gigem.”
_ Jimmy Burch
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