Hackett expects apparel deal to be #1 in the nation

Submitted by Wolverine Devotee on
Decision coming by July 1st. Will meet with the Regents to bring them up to speed on things.
 
He was at the Softball celebration today at Alumni Field. Was an awesome event.
 
 
Methinks that doesn't sound so good for Nike unless they got smart and realized Michigan is Michigan. 

thisisme08

June 4th, 2015 at 8:12 PM ^

Nike (nor anyone) cannot trademark a color; they can however trademark a name i.e. Maize.  

If Adidas wanted to straight take the RGB codes of old Nike stuff and market them they are well within their right to as long as they do not call it "maize".  

Adidas, as well as the AD made the decision to use the highlighter yellow end of story. 

BornSinner

June 4th, 2015 at 8:20 PM ^

Damn I always liked perpetuating the copyrighted/trademarked Nike Maize myth. 

Made me feel better about what could possibly be going through the AD/Adidas' head while making all this highlighter nonsense. 

Willis Ward

June 4th, 2015 at 9:19 PM ^

It isn't as simple as filing for your standard trademark registration nor does having such a mark dictate that no one else can ever use a color in any situation, but see: Tiffany Blue, Louboutin Red and Owen's Corning Pink and you'll realize that you can get trademark protection for colors.

Having said that, I don't see how Nike could attain that right from Michigan beyond the term of the contract unless Michigan was incredibly stupid...which, I guess is possible, but even then I don't think the color we used on our uniforms was distinict enough to get trademark protection anyway.

UM2k1

June 4th, 2015 at 8:29 PM ^

You cannot copyright or trademark a color. Nike may own the rights to the name of the color "maize", but Adidas can make michigan's uniforms and clothing any color they desire.

VictorValiant

June 4th, 2015 at 6:17 PM ^

The last transition from Nike to Adidas was not about the dollar amount. Nike was more than willing to match it. It was one clause in the contract that Adidas was willing to go along with that Nike wasn't. And before you ask what it was, I am not able to comment on it.

getsome

June 4th, 2015 at 7:37 PM ^

agreed - nike just looks better, both currently and historically.  i also think nikes footwear is more comfortable (though i dont have much experience rocking under armour cleats, turfs or sneaks).  in terms of workout gear and sweats and the like, theyre all pretty much the same fabrics, etc, and athletes receive fresh shipments every season so wear and tear does not factor much like it would for fans and other consumers