Michigan applying for trademark on "Wolverbear"

Submitted by TruBluMich on

The University has applied for a trademark on the vintage wolverine logo or Wolverbear as I have learned from the comments.  According to the application it is to be used for "Caps; Sweatshirts; T-shirts".  I could have swore I saw this during the telecast of the Utah Game?  I've also seen the shirts and hats with it as I'm sure most of you have already. 

What makes this interesting is they just recently applied for it two weeks ago and it's the first time I have seen any official mention of this logo by the University.  It could be they are just protecting the logo or Adidas and/or Nike have further plans for it.  If this were just a graphic for T-Shirts, Im not sure they would go through all of the trouble of trademarking it when a simple copyright would be just fine.


http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=86772195&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch





The sailor hat (at least that's what I think it's supposed to be) seemed to be a very popular design concept at some point.  EDIT:  It appears these style logos were created by a man named Arthur Evans.  He designed a lot of mascots/logos and was a former artist for Disney.  Not sure if he created the original design or not.

Here are a few others I found at https://www.behance.net/Ren1969



NOTE: These designs are actually redone using a more modern approach but the logos themselves are very close to the originals.  I actually like the Michigan version better than the one being trademarked.

 

 

Mr. Yost

October 14th, 2015 at 9:13 AM ^

Gameday uses it as a secondary logo and it's kind of stupid because for schools that don't have a secondary logo (and this isn't official) they just zoom in on the primary logo and it's a redundant look.

But you're not crazy, they'll do the interlocking ND and the leprechaun or the U and the Sebastian the Ibis.

For some schools, I noticed and had to be like "what the heck is that?" because it looked like they just pulled up some random 1950s alternate that no one has ever seen/used.

Mr. Yost

October 14th, 2015 at 9:26 AM ^

People should know what the block M is when they see it...we shouldn't need a ribbon to tell them.

Brandon was overkill, but he was right about that much. Call it Michigan arrogance or whatever you want. But there's something clean and iconic about just a maize block M (see the avatar). And the outlines on that logo are AWFUL.

Just like the Longhorns logo. That's an iconic symbol...if they slapped "TEXAS" underneath it would like stupid, IMO.

There is no need for this...

Unless it's for some specific purpose, but not as a primary logo. Everyone knows what this is...

Yostal

October 14th, 2015 at 8:14 AM ^

I know they have used this extensively with College Vault (my Wolverbear flag in my classroom has a TM symbol on it.)

I don't mind the cleaner look, I think it's also probably easier to print.

I would also say, this might clear the way for my dream, a maize third jersey with Wolverbear on the center for the hockey team.

Wolverine In Exile

October 14th, 2015 at 8:33 AM ^

for hockey jerseys! YES!

Dream hockey jerseys:

WHITE: Current "Red Berenson" era throwbacks with the arched "MICHIGAN" in blue over a smaller number on the front, just a plain 'M', not outlined with Maize, neck laces, Block M shoulder patches

BLUE: NY Rangers styled diagonal text with "MICHIGAN" in Maize letters with white outline, the block M with crossed hockey stick logo on the shoulders. Alternate would be the classic big ass block M front and center

MAIZE: Script "Michigan" a la 90's era with WOLVERBEAR shoulder patches. Shiny maize fabric.

Pepto Bismol

October 14th, 2015 at 8:55 AM ^

At first I thought you were going to say a maize third jersey for football and I was about to lose it. 

For hockey, that'd be really sharp.  I'll talk to some of my people and see if we can't make that happen. (note: I have no people)

cmgoblue

October 14th, 2015 at 8:15 AM ^

Makes sense. Somewhat surprised they haven't already registered - it's not much trouble, especially as a massive entity like UM. There are a lot of benefits that come with being on the Principle Register that you don't get with common law rights (e.g., nationwide exclusivity, benefits in litigation) and that you don't recognize with a copyright (e.g., independent creation).

Wolverine In Exile

October 14th, 2015 at 9:21 AM ^

Sebastian the Ibis logo as shown above is one of the legitimte, unique, university appropriate logos in sports. Love that:

- The Ibis has popeye like arm muscles beneath the sailor's sweater,

- He already has a band aid on his head, like "bitch, I've been in a brawl already, I'm ready to drop again"

- The anger steam coming out of his pipe

- The pipe

- The sailor hat is actually appropriate for the logo, and slightly tilted forward-- again, this bird is ready to rumble

 

Any attempts to "modernize" it or make it more streamlined just look dumb.