Freelancing for The Man

Check out this old newspaper article I wrote. I don't think I realized at the time what institutions I was defending. Though at least it was 'news,' not op-ed. (Estuary will continue this week.)

Vendors in Lexington Arrested
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Several T-shirt vendors were arrested over the weekend in Lexington for selling counterfeit Final Four merchandise.

Officials seized more than 75 T-shirts and nearly $1,000 in cash.

The bust was a cooperative effort between UK, the Lexington Police Department, the Fayette County Prosecutor's Office and the Collegiate Licensing Company.

The CLC is the licensing representative for UK and more than 150 other colleges, universities, bowl games and conferences across the nation.

As the licensing representative, CLC is responsible for protecting and promoting UK's trademarks.

C.M. Newton, UK director of Athletics, is concerned.

"We are serious about sending a strong message during our Final Four appearance that counterfeiting will not be tolerated," Newton said.

"The University and CLC are committed to protecting licensees, retailers and consumers."

This concern stems from the revenue UK loses because of unlicensed sales each year. The University receives a share of the profits made from licensed products bearing its trademarks.

Consumers should not be wary of the merchandise being sold at the stands on Euclid Avenue this week. These vendors offer legitimate merchandise that they acquired through a special permit.

CLC staff will remain in Kentucky throughout the week, looking for vendors across the state who may try to take advantage of the UK men's basketball team's success in the NCAA Tournament.

This weekend, CLC personnel also will be in New Jersey, the site of the Final Four.

Any vendor caught selling unlicensed merchandise will face prosecution.

Derek Eiler, director of University Services for CLC, said there are no penalties for those people who may have purchased the counterfeit merchandise.

Nevertheless, consumers are encouraged to look for the label that identifies products as being officially licensed.

The manufacturer's name and trademarks should appear on the garment as well.

If any these requirements are missing, consumers should contact the UK Public Relations Department at 257-3303.