"12th Man" - Inside Texas A&M's License Agreement with the Seattle Seahawks

SB Nation ^ | Jan 19, 2014 | Spadilly

[C19fan]

With the current success of the Seattle Seahawks, the "12th Man" has been all over ESPN and social media. We decided to look further into the "12th Man" trademark and Texas A&M's licensing agreement with Seattle.

Following an initial lump sum payment of $100,000 in 2006, Texas A&M University is receiving $5,000 per year from the Seattle Seahawks for their use of the "12th Man" mark. The initial term of the agreement was five years, and the Seahawks opted to renew the agreement for five more years in 2011. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2016 after the current term expires.

[C19fan]

I was wondering how Seattle was able to use all the "12th man" stuff when that has been used by Texas A&M for decades. I hope the Aggies jack up the price when the agreement is up for renewal. $5000 a year is way too low.

[Phillyred]

So sexist.

[353FMG]

Chump change.

[colorado tanker]

Once the Seahawks lose the Super Bowl, it may not be so valuable.

[crazycatlady]

Oh, boy. That’s all I can say right now, oh boy.

[crazycatlady]

I didnt read the legal fine print, but did read some of the comments. Interesting to read things from a non-Puget Sound viewpoint.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Here’s more background on this;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_man_%28football%29#Texas_A.26M_trademark_issues_and_Seattle_Seahawks_lawsuit

[illiac]

Boo Hoo!

[llevrok]

at some point this becomes public domain I’m thinking. Like the former trade name “formica” etc.

[ken5050]

The Seahawks should have had the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band play halftime at the NFC championship game..

[Steve_Seattle]

"at some point this becomes public domain I’m thinking. Like the former trade name “formica” etc."

As far as I'm concerned, it was public domain from the start. I don't see how a phrase like "12th man" can be claimed as intellectual property by a public educational institution.