The Chattanooga Red Wolves pro soccer team and the Arkansas State Red Wolves are now doing battle in Chattanooga Federal Court over nickname rights.
The local Red Wolves sued the university after Arkansas State sent a letter saying it was prepared to go to court unless the soccer team gave up the name.
In its federal suit, the Chattanooga Red Wolves said its use of the nickname does not infringe on the university's rights.
The soccer team said it filed for trademarks on the Red Wolves name in September and November of 2018.
Soon thereafter, the soccer team heard from the university, asking it to withdraw the trademark request.
An attorney for Arkansas State wrote on Nov. 18, “My client plans to proceed with the Opposition action and/or any other actions it deems necessary to protect its valuable Marks. All rights are expressly reserved.”
The soccer team said its two pending trademark applications have proceeded through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) examination process and were published for Opposition on Aug. 20.
Arkansas State has obtained extensions from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board within which to oppose CPSM’s two pending trademark applications. Those extensions are through Dec. 18.
Attorney Mathew Brownfield, who filed the suit, said, "CPSM’s word mark and design mark both relate to a professional soccer team affiliated with the United Soccer League. Upon information and belief, defendant ASU’s marks and uses of those marks all relate to amateur collegiate sports."