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Cost Unknown as School is Forced to Change Logo

Waukee High School has had to create a new logo because the old one closely resembled the University of Wisconsin's emblem. School officials decided to makeover the logo after receiving a letter from a representative of Wisconsin who said that the "Ws" were too similar. Wisconsin University owns a trademark on its "W" emblem and uses it to sell millions of dollars in Badger merchandise. The University could have sued the High School for infringement. Students and local residents submitted over seventy different sketches for a new emblem. Waukee's original "W" is featured on a number of items throughout the local area, on school uniforms, business cards, printed T-shirts and the school's Web site. Even the school gym features the old "W" on the floor. The school originally used a purple-and-gold "W" because the Iowa Department of Education asked the school not to use their existing American Indian symbol.

Waukee High School Activities Director Jim Duea said that the school will be replacing the logo during their regular rotation for replacing uniforms and other school items. The final logo has been chosen but will not be revealed until the school board has approved it. The board could approve the logo as early as January 9. Many of the students have been debating the validity of Wisconsin’s claim. The cost to the school of changing the logo is not yet known. "We're just going to go along with business as usual," said Duea. The final logo is being sent to several local artists to sharpen its appearance. The students and local residents have been very keen to see the submitted designs. The new "W" will look as similar as possible to the original say the students, but with some changes that will distinguish it from the University of Wisconsin's emblem.