KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The University of Tennessee is suing Action Sports Media for what is says is copyright infringement and counterfeiting in using the school's athletic logos.
The lawsuit alleges that Action Sports Media's 'Big Orange Army' business is improperly using the school's trademark 'Power T' and other logos for sales and marketing and is improperly allowing third parties to use Tennessee logos.
'Defendants' activities are causing and are likely to continue to cause confusion and deception of consumers,' says the lawsuit, which was filed Feb. 12.
UT also alleges that because Action Sports Media is using Tennessee logos on merchandise for sale, the company is engaging in counterfeiting.
According to Alcoa-based Action Sports Media, the Big Orange Army is an organization for Tennessee sports fans. The lawsuit also names Action Sports Media CEO Gordon Whitener, Action Sports Media chief financial officer Jerry Felix and David Jamison, whom the lawsuit describes as the 'self-professed leader' of the Big Orange Army.
'We are very disappointed that the university chose to file suit against the Big Orange Army instead of sitting down with us to resolve any differences,' Whitener said in a statement. 'We intend to vigorously defend our position.'
Whitener said his company has an agreement with UT to use the school's trademark logos.
Tennessee athletic department spokeswoman Tiffany Carpenter said the school does not comment on pending litigation.
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