White v. Board of Regents for the University of Nebraska
Nebraska Supreme Court
614 N.W.2d 330 (2000)
- Written by Jennifer Flinn, JD
Facts
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln (the university) (plaintiff) was a state-supported university located in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1996, the university’s athletic department began the process of opening a so-called authentic shop in which to sell merchandise to the public. For test marketing purposes, the university distributed a catalog of merchandise options to season ticket holders, boosters, and alumni. In the catalog, the university used a logo with the words “Husker Authentics.” The phrase had not been used by the university prior to this time. In July 1996, the university filed an application with the Nebraska Secretary of State to register “Husker Authentics” as a trade name. Because the university did not follow through on certain publication requirements, the application was cancelled. Brent White (plaintiff) operated two retail stores that sold university merchandise. In 1997, White applied to register the trade name “Husker Authentics” in an attempt to prevent the university from opening its retail store. White had not used the name prior to filing his application. White completed all requirements and was granted registration of the trade name. When the university learned that its trade-name application had been cancelled, it applied to register the trade name “Husker Authentic,” but its application was denied because the name was too close to that registered by White. The university opened its retail store in 1997 using the name “Huskers Authentic.” White filed a lawsuit against the university, seeking an injunction to prevent the university from using the name. The university counterclaimed, arguing, among other things, that White had violated its trade name and trademark rights. The trial court ruled that both White’s and the university’s registration applications were improper because neither had used the name prior to filing their application but also, among other things, refused to issue an injunction against White’s use of the name. Both parties appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Stephan, J.)
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