To: Letters to the editor; mailcall@thebattalion.net
Regarding the recent lawsuit against the Seattle Seahawks, to the chagrin of some over zealous members of the Aggie family, A&M did not invent the concept of team spirit as enshrined by the 12th man tradition. While the legalities and facts will be sorted out in court, this is really no different than a golf course trying to enforce a trademark on the “19th hole” or a media outlet trying to enforce a trademark on the “4th estate.” Similar to Kleenex and Aspirin, the terms have become generic overtime and are not causing any specific brand confusion. If A&M is looking at marketing itself as a world-class institution, perhaps it should begin by showcasing other feats we are truly recognized for, such as: animal cloning research, genetically modified crops and developing exceptional scholars.
Tim Swanson
Class of 2003
Graduate Student