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View Full Version : K State Gets it in Licensing Deals - KC Star


CoMoChief
07-11-2007, 02:01 PM
For any high school searching for new mascot logo, may we suggest the “Powercat.” It’s sleek, it has two fangs and it costs less than a McDonald’s cheeseburger.

The Carlisle Community School District in Iowa is grateful for that. In a time when universities are bombarding high schools with cease-and-desist letters to stop using their logos, K-State has agreed to let the Carlisle district continue with the Powercat symbol. And only for $1.

“It’s hilarious,” Carlisle superintendent Tom Lane said. “We were fully prepared to politely be told, ‘Sorry,’ and we were elated that we can keep it. We like the logo here.”

Lane should be relieved that there’s no “W” in Carlisle. The University of Wisconsin has told another Iowa school district to stop using its logo. So now the Waukee school district has five years to erase the Badgers’ “W” from gym floors, uniforms and signage, or else Wisconsin goes legal.

“Waukee was told: ‘No ifs, ands and buts. You’re done using our logo,’ ” Lane said. “I had just assumed with our licensing agreement (with K-State) due that we were going to hear the same thing.”

But K-State played nice and extended the licensing contract another two years. And in a move that shows somebody is thinking inside K-State’s public relations department, the university charged the Carlisle school district a mere dollar. Hint, hint: Wisconsin, charging a buck generates much more positive press than releasing lawyers.

“We don’t want to create a financial hardship for high schools,” said Tami Breymeyer, K-State director of licensing, “so we set it a fair rate.”

I just think this is funny because my old highschool had to slightly modify their mascot because KSU got pissed off about it and threatened to sue, etc.

KSU Wildcats logo:

http://www.vet.k-state.edu/CE/logos/powercat.jpg


Blue Springs Wildcats Logo:

http://www.sportsmonthly.net/images/083104/25wildcatsLR.jpg


As you notice, there's a lip at the top end of the Wildcat's ear, the eye is slightly different and the neck is also different. The Cat is supposed to be purple, but this is the only pic I could find without searching a long time for it. Not saying that this is the first time this has happened before, because colleges all over dispute over this, especially against big time HS programs.

Saulbadguy
07-11-2007, 02:05 PM
I just think this is funny because my old highschool had to slightly modify their mascot because KSU got pissed off about it and threatened to sue, etc.
So Blue Springs wouldn't pony up the $1 for use of the logo?

CoMoChief
07-11-2007, 02:07 PM
So Blue Springs wouldn't pony up the $1 for use of the logo?

I'm sure at the time (back in the 70's) the situation was different, and different people working for the KSU PR dept and so forth.

Saulbadguy
07-11-2007, 02:07 PM
I'm sure at the time (back in the 70's) the situation was different, and different people working for the KSU PR dept and so forth.
The Powercat was not created until 1989.

CoMoChief
07-11-2007, 02:09 PM
The Powercat was not created until 1989.
Really? I didn't know that. Maybe it wasn't until the early 90's then. I just remember my former athletic director telling me about it.

Saulbadguy
07-11-2007, 02:10 PM
http://www.bshswildcatfootball.com/schedules.htm

Looks very similar.

Saulbadguy
07-11-2007, 02:12 PM
Really? I didn't know that. Maybe it wasn't until the early 90's then. I just remember my former athletic director telling me about it.
I think he's probably FOS. The buck gets you the deal. We do it because of the royalty fees associated with use of the logo in the sale of merchandise, IIRC.

Greg Odens HS (Lawrence North) uses the powercat as well.

http://www.gregoden.com/images/239731.jpg

Rain Man
07-11-2007, 02:19 PM
I wonder if the Cleveland Browns are going to sue Penn State.

Demonpenz
07-11-2007, 02:23 PM
notre dame wants their helmets back.