WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2008 News WWW.KANSAN.COM THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
9
》 COURT
Athletics Department sues Joe-College.com
BY ASHER FUSCO afusco@kansan.com
Ifthe Kansas Athletics Department gets its wish, far fewer students will don shirts emblazoned with catchphrases such as "Muck Fizzou" and "Our Coach is PHAT" next football season.
The department took local apparel retailer Joe-College.com, 734 Massachusetts St., to federal court on Tuesday in an effort to stop the store from selling unlicensed Kansas gear. Jim Marchiony, associate athletics director, said the store was infringing upon the school's trademark by
printing blue shirts that reference Kansas athletics.
"What we are looking to do is to protect our registered mark, and protect the good name and good will of the University of Kansas," Marchiony said.
Marchiony said many of the store's shirts had language, images or references that were offensive and inconsistent with the University's brand message. The department first addressed the issue in spring 2006, shortly after Joe-College.com opened.
If the department wins the trial, which started Tuesday and runs until
July 9, the shop could close.
"They're trying to close us down," said Joe-College.com owner Larry Sinks. "With the money they want and the shirts they want taken out, it would basically close my store."
Sinks said the department previously offered him a settlement under which he would pay $900,000 and remove the shirts from his store. Sinks said his store had not made $900,000 in sales since opening February 2006.
"We don't use their trademarks," Sinks said. "I use the word 'hawks,' I use our state name, I use Lawrence on some of them, and they've sued
me for every shirt in the store."
Sinks said he thought the department targeted his store specifically because of the controversial "Muck Fizzou" design. Joe-College.com's shirts became the focus of discussion in 2006 when ESPN announced that it would not show fans wearing "Muck Fizzou" shirts during its broadcasts. The Joe-College.com store is plastered with signs reminding shoppers that the T-shirts are unlicensed.
The shirts' lack of legal licensing hasn't limited their popularity on campus. T-shirt designs poking fun at Missouri, Kansas State and North
Carolina are fixtures at Kansas sporting events.
"I think they're pretty funny," Adam Crisasi, Olathe junior, said. "I actually own a couple, so I'm not too opposed to them."
Crifasi said he thought the Department should not be able to earn royalties from Joe-College.com unless the store printed shirts that included the Jayhawk symbol.
Sinks said if he won the trial he planned to expand his business to more locations around the nation.
TRANSPORTATION
Edited by Mandy Earles
Public, University buses merge for ridership policy
BY KRISTIN HOPPA khoppa@kansan.com
Students at the University will soon be able to extend their travels around town without paying more for gas.
The Lawrence City Commission unanimously agreed June 24 to approve a proposal that would allow University students to ride the Lawrence Public Transit, or the T, for free if they show a KUID. The new policy would also allow city residents who purchased a T bus pass to ride the University buses for no fare.
The new system would begin Aug. 18 when the fall semester begins.
"Our hope is that any changes made will make service even more attractive and convenient than what is presently offered by each system independently," Galante said.
Cliff Galante, Lawrence's public transit administrator, said the new transit system would provide people in the community, including students, with more mobility options and transportation choices.
Both the city's Public Transit Advisory Committee and University leaders recommended the new ridership policy.
However, some students are skeptical about the new policy.
Alyssse Koch, Shawnee junior, said she didn't see herself taking the T around town. She said she took used campus buses but would rather pay the gas prices to drive herself around town for more convenience.
"They make it a lot easier to make it to class," Koch said. "I'm just not familiar with the other bus routes and I would hate to be stranded
downtown."
Derek Meier, transportation coordinator for KU on Wheels, said he received positive feedback from several students who planned to ride the T.
"The policy will allow us to observe any trends that might develop and incorporate those observations into merger plan details," Meier said. "However, KU on Wheels will remain to get students to and from
class efficiently and effectively."
The decision comes weeks after city commissioners denied a request to sign a letter of intent, which outlined a merger of the two bus systems by 2009. City commissioners asked for more public input and a solid financial commitment from the city before moving ahead with the merger.
Sue Hack, city commissioner, also
addressed the duplication of services that KU on Wheels and the T provide the city. Commission members said it was likely that the new policy would reduce the money the city takes in through fares, but no exact dollar amount was given.
In 2007, about 2,700 semester bus passes and 3,400 annual bus passes were sold to students, Meier said.
Galante said there was a strong
recognition by all parties involved that students were to be actively involved in the merger process.
"With rising operational costs impacting, I believe the city and University are better off working together than independently," Galante said. "The goal is to achieve a win-win scenario for all."
Edited by Mandy Earles
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