A federal court ruling barring the use of a fraternity’s logo without its permission has drawn fire from critics, who say the decision — hailed by some as a landmark in trademark enforcement — will drive small retailers out of business and ratchet up the price of Greek merchandise (Sigma Chi Fraternity v. Taylor Corp., S.D. Fla., No. 98-2101-CIV-SEITZ, order entered 4/7/00).
According to the decision, Sigma Chi for years has attempted to control the use of its insignia and name by requiring vendors of fraternity-related products to be licensed. In 1995, Sigma Chi notified Taylor Corp.’s predecessor of its licensing program and sent a licensing application packet.
