By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — Marquette Area Public Schools’ patent, trademark and copyright attorney David Casimir of Casimir & Jones released a statement assuring the public there is nothing to worry about from Marquette resident and intellectual property attorney Margaret Brumm.

Brumm submitted trademark applications for Marquette Sentinels in January in order to stop the name change from being completed.

“Our firm has volunteered to represent MAPS, for free, because we observed what we believe to be a bad actor improperly leveraging the trademark system to force their desired outcome,” Casimir said in the statement.

In response to Brumm’s efforts to sell T-shirts using her pending Marquette Sentinels trademark, Casimir said, “… the rules do not credit token commercial activity conducted merely for the purpose of reserving a right in a trademark. A genuine intent to use the brand in commerce is required.”

He also alleged that the photos Brumm submitted in her original Marquette Sentinels and Marquette Red Jackets trademark applications “appear to be digitally created images overlaying the two different names on an identical stock image of a white T-shirt.”

He added, “Forensic analysis confirmed that these are digitally created images and not photographs of genuine products showing commercial use of the mark.”

Casimir’s statement continued to provide a timeline of events in regard to the choosing of the new Marquette Senior High School nickname by MAPS and Brumm’s subsequent retaliation.

“We understand that there are strong opinions and feelings about the school district’s rebranding campaign. Ms. Brumm and others in the community have a variety of ethical and legal ways to communicate their displeasure,” Casimir said. “… MAPS intends to proceed with its Marquette Sentinels brand and will not negotiate with Ms. Brumm under her trademark threats.”

The statement ends with an assurance from Casimir & Jones that it will “fully defend” MAPS using any and all legal protections available.

Casimir’s final comment said, “MAPS would like the community to know that the Marquette Sentinels trademark brand is rightfully owned and used by MAPS and that there is no threat to the community from Ms. Brumm.”