January 23, 2008
Missouri goes after blogger
Richard Lozano has something that the University of Missouri wants - namely his missouritigers.com domain - and now the Tigers are threatening to sue the gold & black pants off of him if he doesn't surrender his website.
The only thing is... Lozano has already tried to give the website to the university -- and he has the emails to prove it -- but Mizzou (apparently) didn't want it.
Lozano, an attorney in St. Louis who is well known on Internet message boards as Iam4Mizzou, also said at that time he offered to sell — at a cost of around $50 — the domain name to the MU athletic department.Mizzou, Lozano’s document of e-mails shows, was not interested. MU athletic director Mike Alden referred Lozano to Lori Croy, who is now director of Web communications at MU, and Lozano said his phone calls and e-mails to her were never acknowledged nor returned.
Flash ahead to the present and the licensing firm (CLC) that handles the Tigers merchandise is ready to take Lozano to court to get the domain... seven years later. Lozano says that the university is leading the charge to acquire the domain, and making CLC do its dirty work.
"The bottom line here is that this is a silly, juvenile little fan blog that has been nothing more than an amusement for me. If they want to acquire it, then they can approach me. But to throw me up against the locker and shake me down for it," Lozano said, "my reaction is going to be 'No.' "...
"CLC works for the university, not the other way around."
But, thanks in part to Missouri's strong arm tactics, Lozano has raised the price for the MissouriTigers.com domain. What's he asking?
So if you read below and you read the letter, you'll see that the University of I Can't Say Their Name for Fear of Violating Something wants me to hand over missouritigers.com. If I do so, they won't sue me out of existence. Their reasoning? This website is diluting their good name. I can kind of see that. I often embarrass myself and wish at times I could stand away from me.That being said, I'm not all that adverse to negotiating a settlement. Here are my terms:
- Every February 5th is Iam4Mizzou Day at the University of Missouri. This will be recognized officially and an email will be sent out from the chancellor's office wishing everyone Happy Iam4Mizzou Day with adequate enthusiasm. When asked about the meaning of this day, officials are to defensively respond "no comment" and change the subject.
- New president Gary Forsee will use the word "thunderdome" in his next press conference in a confusing, inappropriate way.
- The three university amigos cc'd on the cease and desist letter will be photographed together wearing missouritigers.com Kitty logo shirts. I said Kittyâ„¢ logo All Rights Reserved Property of ME.
- I get to take a half court shot at a men's basketball game for absolutely no reason.
- I get to drive the Mizzou helmet car through campus recklessly and will run over a variety of bushes in a wanton fashion.
- I will get a gold star with Iam4Mizzou on it on a bathroom stall at Faurot.
Actually, that's not such a bad deal.
The long and the short of it -- as I see it -- is that Missouri owes Lozano an apology. Big time. The Tigers blew it when they didn't accept what I believe was a gracious and well-intentioned offer seven years ago.
I understand the concern that missouritigers.com could misrepresent the university. But by playing the heavy and trying to scare your own fans into submission sucks.
So... if the Mizzou wants to play ball, they need to face the music. MU athletic director Mike Alden needs to step up and do the right thing - admit that the Missouri Tigers were wrong to try to bully Richard Lozano, accept his generous donation, and move on.
(And perhaps do that bathroom star thing - that would rock.)
Comments:
OU-Ron
posted on January 23, 2008 11:09 AM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse?
said:
The only thing that would be funnier than this would be if the people who designed the Longhorn logo with the sawed off horns made the powers in Austin do something similar..
I know the ATM fans would love it, almost as much as the OU fans….
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 11:30 AM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Yeah, fellow bloggers...I agree. The University of Missouri has ta have better things they can be doing with their time. I saw a child here wearing his middle school sweater. It looked like the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets' logo but RED instead of GOLD. Should I contact the University of georgia tech ta see if they would go after da Middle School?
posted on January 23, 2008 12:15 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?War Eagle Atlanta
said:
I love this guy's response--especially his new list of demands: "I get to drive the Mizzou helmet car through campus recklessly and will run over a variety of bushes in a wanton fashion." Classic!
Go over to his site and read the cease and desist letter he got. This Collegiate Licensing Firm is a little over-the-top, considering the fact that he offered the school the site years ago. Of course, this guy is an attorney, so in response to their threat of a suit, I'm sure he's saying "please don't throw me in that briar-patch!"
Everyone should go over and leave a comment on his site in support of his fight. A man this eloquent has to be supported.
posted on January 23, 2008 12:34 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Lennie: Colleges don't really seem to care about logo and uniform infringment that is so rampant with high schools and such. I'm sure they care, but no school wants to be known as the one suing a bunch of middle-schoolers because they blatantly stole their logo. So, it's more or less tolerated. One guess whose uniforms the Auburn High School in Auburn, AL teams look like...
Pro teams? Perhaps another story. Evidence suggests that the university of Georgia probably 'borrowed' the 'G' logo from the Green Bay Packers, but it was a long time before the Pack copyrighted it.
I'm no attorney, but I get sued a lot. I'd say that the guy could keep his site if he wanted, but he's probably have to quit selling the merchandise with his 'Kitty' logo on it.
His list of demands, although comical, will certainly be rejected. He'll probably settle for things like lifetime tickets on the 50 yard line. Can't blame a guy for trying, though.
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on January 23, 2008 12:34 PM — 67.97.209.36 — link — abuse?
#7: Lennie, correction - it's the Georgia Institute of Technology (there's no "university" in the title).
Funny that you've seen a red version of the GT logo on a middle schooler's shirt. I've seen kids around here (i.e. Seminole County Florida, a.k.a. suburban north Orlando) wearing the GT "buzz" logo - the one with the cartoonish yellow jacket - and the exact same colors as GT, but with the name of a local public school. Makes me wonder if the logo is being licensed out.
BTW, my wife is an Aggie and she loved that whole hornless longhorn logo story.
BTW2, if you're throwing a fashion flag, better blow the whistle on Miami (that's the worst color combination in the NCAA [JMHO]).
posted on January 23, 2008 12:39 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Maybe Kevin will give us another uniform thread so we can discuss this more in detail??
Yes, Lennie (G)eorgia (I)nstitute of (T)echnology, 'GIT'. Where do you think that Larry the Cable Guy got his "Git 'er done" catch-phrase? just kidding...
40 Acres of Burnt Orange
posted on January 23, 2008 12:47 PM — 192.91.75.30 — link — abuse? said:
Thanks OU Ron had to throw that one in there. I saw a ATM T-shirt making fun of Bevo saying "You Call It a Mascot, We Call It A Hamburger". I propose this shirt in reponse: "You Call It A Mascot, We Call It A Little B**ch"!
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on January 23, 2008 1:04 PM — 67.97.209.36 — link — abuse?
#12: WEA, odd coincidence - Larry the Cable Guy attended Georgia Bible College in Atlanta and now resides in Seminole County Florida. Too funny.
I have an employee who lives in England and every time he refers to someone as a "stupid GIT" I ponder whether or not to tell him about my alma mater. Thus far, I haven't. :-P
posted on January 23, 2008 4:05 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
FOTG: Yes, that was a thread a few months ago. That's why I thought what I was saying seemed familiar. We had just talked about that very thing. Penn State was threatening to sue an elementary school for ripping off their logo.
I think there are bigger battles to win out there than taking on an eleementary school...
Like this Lozano guy so elequently puts it, "They shoved me up against the locker and demanded my milk money." That's the common legal tactic, hoping he can't afford to fight back.
Just one of many reasons we need tort-reform in this country...
posted on January 23, 2008 4:38 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
VTBobb: That's why first, we have to kill all the lawyers!!!!
Trial attorneys hedge themselves pretty well. They give heavily to both sides. This country will litigate itself to death eventually.
We need a 'loser pays' system, fast!
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 4:58 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Ramblin' Gator Post #11 you are 100% correct on the OFFICAL NAME. I was in a hurry to go eat lunch with my son so I said forget it! As for fashion...No more white helmets and no more same colored tops and bottoms! Example...Tennessee wearing all orange against LSU(U-G-L-Y!). Miami Hurricanes colors...they al' ight! Different but al 'ight! War Eagle Atlanta Post #10 I disagree with you a lil' bit. If that school is selling more gear than that university...they might care!
Zac said:
posted on January 23, 2008 7:01 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Talk about ugly uniforms, I think WVU's new "Gold" uniforms is what lost the Pitt game more than bad coaching.
As far as MO goes, if they wanted my web-site, I'd have to demand $250,000 and a parachute. Barring that, the 3 Amigo's, as Councilor Lozono (Oh, and fellow Guinzo) so eloquently put it, would have to be wearing fuzzy, striped, kitty slippers.
Speaking of the home country, here's the latest Italian joke for you guys. (The FL fans should especially love it.)
A couple of vampires decide it's time for a vacation; go elsewhere to try something new. So, they land in Venice.
After checking out the possibilities, they decide to hang from one of the bridges spanning the canals to see what prey comes along.
Before long a young couple, arm-in-arm, come strolling over the bridge. The vampires seize them, drain them, toss them over the side, and wait for their next prey.
After a while, the vampires have seized, drained, and tossed over the bridge easily a half dozen couples. But, after having seized, drained, and tossed the last couple, they could hear someone singing. So, looking over the side in the direction the melody was coming from, they spied a gator calmly swimming in the water singing…
"Drained Wops keep falling on my head…"
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 8:03 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Maybe Kevin can start a thread on best and worst jerseys and logos. I will say Texas has a good logo BUT they should go to (metallic)burnt orange helmets with white facemasks and wear burnt orange pants with the white jerseys. If they keep the white helmets go with a burnt orange facemask. Yes, I haved talked to OU's Marketing Department...they do not wish to wear crimson pants with the white jerseys. Why? I dunno! I think they would look good...you gots ta co-ordinate!
40 Acres of Burnt Orange
posted on January 23, 2008 8:19 PM — 192.94.94.106 — link — abuse? said:
I think Wyoming and Penn State have some ugly uniforms. I personally like (besides Texas of course) Texas Tech, Oregon State, Virginia Tech, Florida State, and even Hawaii's home uniforms don't look too bad.
Hey Lennie that would be interesting to see those changes to the uniform's. At least let us wear Burnt Orange pants on away games. I hate that white on white look.
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 8:22 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Hey gOSU27 Post #35 Alabama with those numbers and gray facemasks ain't far behind. Any team that still sports a gray facemask (If it is not in your official colors) is plain corny! Oregon and Oregon State...just plain D-U-M-B!
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 8:26 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
40 Acres of Burnt Orange Post #36...again we are different cause Texas Tech and Oregon State have corny uniforms. 40 Acres of Burnt Orange have you seen Oregon State's Jerseys? They look like sports bras on the front of 'em. Hey, it's your opinion/likes!
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 8:45 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
I think this would make a more interesting thread than any other. We can see who has style and flash. See some new combinations of different colors design. I would like to see Oklahoma take the Sooners of the chest. I know they are the Sooners, they know who they are, does that mean the opponent think you are who they thought you were? Let me stop this junk and lay down before I go to work! But to get back to this thread...if I was this man I would ask to be put in charge of the university. Let me run (I ain't gone say it!)
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 8:53 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Hotty Toddy Post #45...not to sound rude but Mississippi should focus on winning first. I like the blue over the red...looks great with da blue head gear! I wish they would get rid of that Old Colonel Reb or whatever his name and those gray pants. Stop waving those confederate flags at the game!
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 9:14 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Post #47, 40 Acres of Burnt Orange...hopefully Kevin will create a thread for it. It's gone be a long off season filled with recruiting highs and/or lows and of course players acting fools! We need something like this to keep it fun! My favorite color scheme is the purple and silver and logo of Kansas State. I could break it down by conferences...that's if Kevin make da thread! West Virginia gold jerseys would have looked better with the navy pants by the way!
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 9:45 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Post #49...Purple has been my favorite color since 1990. My wedding colors were purple and silver. My divorce color were red! Michigan should get rid of those doggone lines. Put a DOGGONE "M" or Wolverine (X-men or the actual animal)on the helmet. Go to blue pants on the road. I hate when coaches/teams talk about not messing with da helmet or jerseys cause of tradition. Then all teams should go back to leather helmets and canvas uniforms!
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 10:00 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Bevo Boy Post #52...take your butt to bed! It's a school night! I can understand and would applaud you if we were talkin' about seeing without their uniforms on! But we are not...go to bed not now BUT right now! A thread where no insults laid on someone and man you gots to mess it up for everybody!
Bevo Boy said:
posted on January 23, 2008 10:09 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
That's my opinion, Lennie, and our opinions is what makes this a great website. So stop with your bigotry and realize that I can express my opinion on here.
By the way, it's not the uniform that matters, it's the teams playing the game (in my opinion, at least)Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 10:14 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Bevo Boy Post #56 that was probably one of your most intelligent post to date. Check your tone with the insults! That bigotry comment you better ease up on. I am multi-racial with European, African, and Native American blood in me. So explain that remark or apologize! Your post was excellent until I read that bigotry insult!
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on January 23, 2008 10:15 PM — 74.185.133.40 — link — abuse?
re: LSU, the colors purple and gold have a long association with the Catholic church and therefore, Mardi Gras. I suspect that is how LSU got those colors. Tiger fans?
re: Texas, those are the ugliest BAND uniforms I've ever seen! The whole band looks like it just walked off The Lawrence Welk Show. (Two of my best friends are former members of the Longhorn band and THEY AGREE WITH ME!!)
Bevo Boy said:
posted on January 23, 2008 10:18 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Bigotry-narrow-mindedness
You are assuming (aka being narrow-minded) that everything I say is 100% serious. I was just joking, though it is kinda hard to show sarcasm.Ramblin', I really don't know what to say to that. I don't really like them, either, but they sound good and that's what matters.
Lennie Collins
posted on January 23, 2008 10:28 PM — 70.251.191.250 — link — abuse? said:
Bevo Boy, Post #59, I don't know how old you are but I am sure most of the fellas on here would agree with me...that is not something to joke around with. I am sure some would laugh at being called dumb or something else but not that. Do you buy your own clothes? I am sure you buy because it looks great! These guys and I are just saying what team colors and logo look fine. I do not see anything effeminate about that! Now if the fellas were saying which coach/player was cute then I would not be on here!
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on January 23, 2008 10:29 PM — 74.185.133.40 — link — abuse?
B-Boy, my tone is thoroughly in check and it's way past your bed time young man. In case you hadn't noticed, this is a blog and people express opinions here. If my opinions offend you, feel free to not read them.
With my complements...
Bevo Boy said:
posted on January 23, 2008 10:35 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
How about we go to cheerleader uniforms? I hate USC's!!!
Lennie, "I am sure you buy because it looks great!" I realize that is a joke. By the way, I don't buy all of my clothes, but I do buy jerseys, t-shirts, and some other things.
40 Acres of Burnt Orange
posted on January 24, 2008 12:30 AM — 76.182.205.22 — link — abuse? said:
I know this is a little off subject and definately not college football, but i just saw that the Baylor Bears just upset #16 Texas A&M in College Station in 5 overtimes! Thats freaking nuts. I don't think i could watch a basketball game that long without falling asleep.
The band uniforms are a little out there and even if people think they are ugly doesn't matter to me the band always sounds great and they are our band. Man do i love our cheerleaders in them chaps though man that is hot!
wvu_lifer
posted on January 24, 2008 1:15 AM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
Hmmm, Cheerleader uniforms. I'm in!! This is tough. Are we voting soley on Unis, or hotness as well?
If we're going on "best" and "worst" my best would be: Texas Techs, those colors mesh well.
My worst: Yale, lol!
As for hotness, man, The 'Canes and Arizona States are a toss up.
gatorstud said:
posted on January 23, 2008 11:03 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?this is just another example of a university trying to impose it's so-called power....lmfao.....if he tried to sell it to MU and the chose not to accept it, then too damn bad for MU....they had a chance to get it and "dropped the ball".....
a few more thing i would ask for before surrendering the domain name....
1. suit up and be able to kick one extra point in a game....
2. have season luxury box seats with president of university...
3. be able to referee the spring game....
4. free college tuition for my kids
5. name a street on university grounds after me...
oh and i forgot....
6. travel to all away games on the same ride with the cheerleading and dance teams..lol
jmho..
go gators...