Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New York
Can native american tribes receive compensation from professional sports organizations and colleges' because their logo's depict native american likeness and tribal names?
2 Answers from Attorneys
They can, but there's no requirement that the sports organizations or colleges pay them unless the organization/college licenses a specific image or name.
As a Franchise Attorney I take s different approach. It is more of a "who is the real owner of the native american likeness and tribal names?" Have these been registered as trademarks or service marks? If so, by who and when? Definitely something to look into before proceeding further. Consult with a good business or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.
Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.
Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation