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DC United Comments on "12th Man" Trademark Questions

Posted: 7:30 PM May 31, 2012
Reporter: Steve Fullhart

DC United Comments on "12th Man" Trademark Questions

Tuesday, News 3 first told you about another professional sports team that Texas A&M had placed under its microscope because it was using the term "12th Man."

KBTX's story on Major League Soccer's DC United found its way to national media outlets, including CBSSports.com and the Washington Post's website.

A sign hanging in RFK Stadium in Washington claims it's "the home of the 12th Man." That term is trademarked by A&M, and the university has defended it against teams, most recently the Denver Broncos.

KBTX reached out to DC United for comment, but never heard back, but the team did comment to the Post.

"D.C. United was contacted by Texas A&M in 2008 regarding the presence of a '12th Man' sign at RFK Stadium. In our response, we noted that our club makes no commercial use of the phrase and that the sign is merely in recognition of the fans that support our club. We have not heard back from the university on the matter and believe that to be indication they'd reasonably acknowledged our fans also loyally support our club."

A look at the website of La Barra Brava," DC United's fan group, shows many references to the team's "legendary 12th Man."

A&M has its external trademark counsel looking into the use of "12th man" surrounding DC United.

We've reached out to La Barra Brava for comment.