re: Congrats on the big payday, Aggies!

Loud & proud.

The key is really controlling the trademark. Without it we couldn't control what Seattle does with it and we can't stop everyone else from using it.

BTW, now since it is established that we own it and Seattle pays us for it then it would also allow us to theoretically raise our fee, change what we allow them to do with it, or even not renew it entirely. We control it. Now in reality it would be dangerous to cut them off completely and risk reopening the lawsuit but we are in the more powerful position since they have now recognized that WE own the trademark. Trying to cut it off for them also makes us look petty unless they give us cause (and going to the Super Bowl isn't cause). They apparently do a great job of helping us police abusers of the trademark as well.

Most of all though, it doesn't really hurt us at all. Most informed folks know it is our trademark. Are there a few folks in the Pacific NW that think it is purely a Seattle thing? I'm sure, but who cares? My guess is that if they learn about our relationship with it they are more likely to think positively toward A&M. You also can't worry about the inevitable rivals that try to spin it as a negative. They would spin it as a negative under any circumstance. The net result is more exposure for A&M and it is almost all positive.