Manatee School District and FSU Reach Agreement on Logo

BRADENTON – Thanks to the interest, support and encouragement of local Florida State University alumni and boosters, the Manatee County School District has reached a royalty-free licensing agreement allowing Southeast High School to continue use of the name Seminoles, the word Noles, the Seminole head logo and the spear.

The agreement involves an initial five year term that would automatically renew every five years. The only way the agreement can be terminated is if the logo and marks are misused by the school district.

”Dr. Barron and the FSU Boosters are to be commended for allowing Southeast High to continue to use the logo and marks,“ Superintendent Tim McGonegal said. ”Both institutions are proud of their heritage and this agreement solidifies the rights of both parties to carry on this rich tradition.“

In the agreement, Florida State University recognizes that Southeast has ”a good reputation and has used the school marks in connection with goods and services of high quality for many years.“ The agreement goes on to state that as long as Southeast continues to ”maintain the image, integrity, business relationships, reputation, character, goodwill, and dignity“ of the University and the marks, the agreement would continue.

”We are delighted we have reached an agreement that reflects the spirit of goodwill and collaboration exemplifying the true Seminole tradition,“ Barron said.

Southeast High School has used the nickname Seminoles since it was founded in the 1950’s. It has used the Seminole head logo and Spear for nearly 30 years. Southeast High School was asked to stop using the logo marks in a letter issued on FSU’s behalf from Collegiate Licensing Company in August, 2010. Manatee County School District officials worked with local attorney and FSU facilitator David Wilcox over the past two weeks to devise a suitable agreement.                      
Wilcox said, ”I am happy that we were able to fashion an agreement between these two old friends. FSU and Southeast High School have a great history between them and their mutual cooperation in this matter is strong evidence of that. So, Go Noles! – both of them.“

The FSU agreement will be voted on by the School Board on tonight at 5:45 p.m. at the School Board’s annual reorganization meeting.