The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (“CIAA”) has filed suit against party promoters, concert promoters, and many others to protect the intellectual property rights associated with the conference name, logos, and marks.  According to the suit, CIAA plays its basketball championship tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina each year (this year’s tournament will be played February 26-March 2).  A number of local concert promoters, nightclubs, and merchandisers have prepared merchandise and distributable materials promoting events held during the tournament.  The materials contain references to CIAA or indicate an affiliation with the conference.  As a result, CIAA seeks damages that are triple the value of any profits derived from unauthorized use of CIAA’s name, logos, and marks.          

For any questions, feel free to contact Christian Dennie at cdennie@bgsfirm.com.