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UC will not allow Tennessee school to become Bearcats. Xavier comes into play

Posted on by L. Dreeye
UC will not allow Tennessee school to become Bearcats. Xavier comes into play

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The rivalry between the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University extends beyond the annual Crosstown Shootout basketball games.

Cheatham High School, located about 30 miles from Nashville, said Friday it received a cease-and-desist letter from the University of California threatening legal action over its use of the university’s mascot. School officials said the letter concerns copyright and licensing violations because Cheatham’s mascot is a bear cat and they call themselves the CMS Bearcats.

Cheatham said it submitted a proposal to the University of California, agreeing to remove the logo and create a new one. However, the school says the request was denied and it was told it could no longer use or call itself Bearcats because the University of California also holds the copyright to the sports license for the word.

“We are left with no reasonable choice but to rebrand and select a new Cheatham (high school mascot),” the school wrote on Facebook.

M.B. Reilly, the UC spokesman, told The Enquirer that the university was alerted to Cheatham High School’s use of its trademarks several months ago.

“When we or our licensing agency, the University Licensing Company (CLC), identify infringing activity, the other party is contacted to inform them of the university’s rights and ask them to cease using the marks,” she said. “As part of this process, we asked CMS to identify the various ways in which they have adopted the UC identity so that we can understand the full scope of what is needed to solve this problem.”

Reilly added that UC appreciates Cheatham’s desire to use its trademarks, but the high school never asked for permission.

“Just as many other universities and recognizable brands invest heavily in protecting their own marks, we reserve the right to exclusive use of the UC Marks. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, but we are responsible for preserving and protecting the rights of the University. to your marks.”

Xavier Musketeers join the conversation

While Cheatham was looking for a new name, another Cincinnati university offered its mascot for free.

Anthony Breen, CEO of Synergistic, a Cincinnati-based marketing agency that works with Xavier, said the company, along with Xavier, has pledged to rebrand and redesign Chatham’s logo, mascot and wordmark. They will also provide other necessary marketing support.

But all this comes with one caveat: the high school must agree to become “musketeers.”

“I look forward to Cheatham rallying around its new mascot with more energy and excitement than ever before,” Breen, a Xavier alumnus, said in a press release.

Musketeer Gear, a nonprofit organization founded by Xavier’s Class of 2022, also released a new white T-shirt with an outline of Tennessee and the words “Cheetham Musketeers” in dark blue letters. The shirts are $35 and all proceeds will go directly to the high school.

It is unclear whether Cheatham plans to become the Musketeers or if the school is considering other mascot options.

The Enquirer has reached out to Xavier University and Cheatham High School and is awaiting responses.