Copyright of school logos on school board agenda

With football teams that garner nationwide attention, the Miami-Dade County School Board decided almost two years ago to trademark their school logos, mascots and team names.

On Wednesday, the board will decide whether to launch its first copyright infringement lawsuit over the matter.

At issue: a Seattle-based website selling gear with the very logos that the school district says are protected. Apparel from district high schools Booker T. Washington and Miami Central are among the top 25 sellers on the site, according to a listing there.

An email requesting comment from the company, Prep Sportswear, wasn’t returned.

School Board attorney Walter Harvey is recommending that the school board hire outside counsel to represent it in the matter.

“We have to act promptly in order to preseve our right,” Harvey said. “If they’re not willing to do business with us the correct way, we have no choice.”

The website sells merchandise for local private schools, too. Harvey said others might bring similar lawsuits, which might allow the schools to share some legal costs.

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This story was originally published February 10, 2015 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Copyright of school logos on school board agenda."