“Geaux Cajuns®” has been a rallying cry for University of Louisiana at Lafayette® supporters for more than two decades. Now it’s also a federally registered trademark.
The spelling of “geaux,” which is pronounced “go,” capitalizes on the “eaux” suffix of common Cajun surnames, such as Breaux, Comeaux, Boudreaux and Thibodeaux.
“The term has been used by the University, particularly alumni, since the 1980s, and the University has used the term in commerce since the summer of 2009,” said Matt Tarver, assistant director of brand management and creative services, in a recent interview.
The phrase was registered on April 15. It is registered as characters, without claim to any particular font, style, or color.
“Registration provides the University with ownership of this term at the strongest level, and it will lead to more products being made with the term ‘Geaux Cajuns®’ on them,” Tarver added.
“So, this gives our fans another way to celebrate our passion for being Ragin’ Cajuns®.”
According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, owning a federal trademark registration has a number of advantages, including:
- a legal presumption of ownership of the mark and the exclusive right to use the mark nationwide on or in connection with the goods/services listed in the registration;
- the ability to bring an action concerning the mark in federal court;
- the use of the U.S. registration as a basis to obtain registration in foreign countries;
- the ability to record the U.S. registration with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Service to prevent importation of infringing foreign goods;
- the right to use the federal registration symbol ®;
- listing in the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s online databases; and
- public notice of a claim of ownership of the mark.
“Registration of ‘Geaux Cajuns®’ strengthens our University’s brand and, at the same time, reflects the culture of the Acadiana area,” Tarver said.