Painter’s Alabama Football Scenes with Uniforms Do Not Infringe Trademark: Judge

Article

A federal judge has dismissed a trademark infringement lawsuit the University of Alabama filed against an artist for painting scenes from school football games and transferring his work to other mediums.

AL.com reported that a U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of artist Daniel A. Moore last Friday.

Moore has been painting scenes from UA football games since 1979. In 2002, the school told him that he needed to get their permission before painting the team’s uniforms because they’re trademarked.

Moore’s attorney, Stephen Heninger said Moore’s paintings and renderings of school football games should qualify as free speech if the artwork is transferred to other mediums — like mugs, calendars and other materials.

The school sued Moore in 2005 for breach of contract, trademark infringement and unfair competition.