KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Collegiate Licensing Co., Atlanta, will be looking for counterfeit collegiate merchandise being sold to fans attending the Tennessee-Florida football game here Saturday.
Bruce Siegal, CLC vice president and general counsel, said the company will work closely with local law enforcement officials and representatives of the University of Tennessee to patrol the marketplace.
Use of UT trademarks and logotypes must be licensed by the university.
Counterfeit merchandise is subject to seizure, and those selling unlicensed goods will be prosecuted, Siegal said.
“Protecting the integrity and reputation of the University of Tennessee is our primary concern,” Siegal said. “By working with law enforcement officials, we are able to deter the sale of counterfeit merchandise and provide an atmosphere where only licensed merchandise is sold.”
UT’s licensing revenues are used for student scholarships and other activities, said Sara Phillips, UT’s licensing director.
CLC and university representatives also will look for merchandise that might violate NCAA regulations. Use of a student athlete’s name or photo could threaten the player’s eligibility, Phillips said.
When considering Tennessee merchandise, fans should:
— Look for a red and blue round “Officially Licensed Collegiate Products” logo on the product.
— Purchase merchandise that depicts UT’s logos and marks in a tasteful manner.
— Find a tag in the garment that is intact. A torn or missing tag is evidence of a secondhand garment that probably would not meet the quality standards currently in place at UT.
— Check for the manufacturer’s name somewhere on the product.
— Buy only merchandise with trademark designations next to a specific name or design.
Suspected counterfeit merchandise should be reported to Collegiate Licensing Co., 770-956-0520.
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Contact: Sara Phillips (423-974-1444)