Blackhawk trademark requires permission to replicate

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

New logos were rolled out for the Pea Ridge Blackhawks and all four designs are copyrighted.

"We're letting companies know we have the copyright of our logos," Mark Laster, communications director for Pea Ridge Schools, said.

He explained that all profits from the sale of merchandise carrying the logos goes back to the school and that use of the logo requires a permission slip, even for nonprofit agencies. A permission slip form is available at the school athletic office or by requesting one via email from Laster at [email protected].

"It was part of giving us our own identity," he said, explaining that the old logo is actually used by several different schools. "As we get larger, we wanted our own identity."

A committee formulated the four designs that were selected.

"It doesn't matter who it is, or why -- for jewelry, for profit or nonprofit, teachers, clubs, even the school store. If they want to use the logo in any way, they have to fill out a logo permission form," he said.

"We are protecting our symbol. That can be stopped at any time if misrepresented," he said. Licenses will be upheld for one year and will be reevaluated and renewed annually if requested.

Sports on 10/04/2017