The University of Utah's Independent Student Voice

The Daily Utah Chronicle

The University of Utah's Independent Student Voice

The Daily Utah Chronicle

The University of Utah's Independent Student Voice

The Daily Utah Chronicle

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Write for Us
Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor, send us an op-ed pitch or check out our open positions for the chance to be published by the Daily Utah Chronicle.
@TheChrony
Print Issues

Big Love’ in big trouble with the U

By Michael McFall, News Editor

“Big Love” is in big trouble with the U.

The U learned that the HBO mini-series, “Big Love,” aired a March episode in which the U’s name and block U logo were shown on an allegedly official U letterhead. In response, the U’s agent, Collegiate Images, sent a cease-and-desist letter to the producers of “Big Love,”demanding that the logo be removed from the episode and that no future use of the logo be made, according to a U press release.

“It may have led some viewers to believe that the U is affiliated with ‘Big Love,'” said U spokeswoman Coralie Alder in a statement. The university’s name and logo were used without the University’s knowledge or permission, she said.

“We will not tolerate a misuse of our trademarks, especially if it could lead to the public to erroneously believe that the University is associated with a production over which the University has no control,” said U President Michael Young in a statement.

The letter to HBO confirms the U’s position that the unauthorized use of the name and logo is trademark infringement, a violation of federal law.

This isn’t the U’s first brush with trademark infringement, Alder said. Earlier this year, people were selling T-shirts sporting the Ute mascot roasting a horned toad without the authorization of the school, she said.

Alder would not comment as to whether the U would seek a lawsuit if the cable network does not comply with their request.

HBO could not be reached for comment.

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