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Texas looking to trademark ‘Havoc’ after hiring Shaka Smart

University of Texas Introduce Shaka Smart

Getty Images

Getty Images

Texas made the splash of the coaching carousel when it lured Shaka Smart away from VCU. Smart isn’t the only thing the Longhorns are tying to get out of Richmond.

On Thursday night Michael Martz and Tim Pearrell of the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that the University of Texas is attempting to trademark “Havoc” for marketing and merchandising purposes. Less than 24 hours after Smart and Texas agreed to terms, the school registered the slogans “Horns Havoc” and “House of Havoc” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according to the Times-Dispatch.

This could lead to a battle between VCU and Texas, not on the hardwood, but in federal court.

VCU may have left the trademark open to other claims by registering it only at the State Corporation Commission and not the federal trademark office, [trademark specialist John] Farmer said. “VCU certainly would have been in a strong position if it had federally registered the mark,” he said.

A legal battle could begin if the trademark office prepares to register the “Horns Havoc” and “House of Havoc” trademarks, which would require inviting public comment and opposition, Farmer said.

Chattanooga head coach Will Wade, Smart’s former assistant, was hired to replace Smart at VCU. He intends on keeping the ‘Havoc’ brand as the new head coach.

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