Any Internet Attorney's on the Forums?

[ChuckSims]

I just went to Heisman Projection.com and got this message:

In 2002, 2003 and 2004, HeismanProjection.com successfully projected the winner of the Heisman Trophy by counting the publicly-stated votes of the Heisman voters. But it doesn't look like we're going to get the chance in 2005.

Earlier today, we received a phone call from Arnie Weiss - the webmaster of the Heisman Trophy Trust. According to him, HeismanProjection.com is in violation of the Trust's trademark in the name and image of the Heisman Trophy.

My question: Are they able to do this? Does'nt seem possible. I value this website as any sports bettor would. As far as I know they don't make any money off the website. Its all done for fun.

 

[sherman]

gee, thanx for sharing this info with us AFTER the site gets shut down Chuck....

 

[ChuckSims]

Sherm, I would of let The RX posters know about this gold mine website but I know the books read the site too!

Just kidding...actually this site has been mentioned at The RX before.

 

[sherman]

never heard of it...oh well....

 

[DrunkenHorseplayer]

No way can they be in violation of the "trademark name"; you can't copyright the name "Heisman". The image of the trophy is another story.

 

[royalfan]

It certainly has been a gold mine for me over the last few years.

 

[tooran]

No way can they be in violation of the "trademark name"; you can't copyright the name "Heisman".

Sure you can. It wouldn't be easy, but given the tradition and distinctiveness of the name, and the fact that the general public associates it with the football award, the original owner of the name (Mr. Heisman) could definitely trademark it. But anyone new could not, especially for football or sports publicity purposes. You could go register a TM for Heisman mustard or something, but probably nothing in the same industry as football.

 

[DrunkenHorseplayer]

I'm not talking about the phrase "Heisman trophy"; I'm talking about just "Heisman".