Louie the Laker
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Louie the Laker is the fun-loving, zany, wacky, and over-the-top mascot of Grand Valley State University, located in Allendale, Michigan. The costume of Louie consists of a large cartoonish face with a goofy oversized jaw, a scowl, a blue and white striped shirt, blue pants, a blue captain's hat, and large foam boots. He is seen at all football games as well as randomly around campus during events.
After Grand Valley played in the 2001 NCAA Division II National Championship in football, John Butler, president of the Peoria Rivermen (ECHL) (an East Coast Hockey League franchise), accused Grand Valley of trademark infringement for the use of the Louie logo. Butler's 4 year old son, Jack, saw Louie during the championship game's television broadcast and brought the similarity to his father's attention. Louie closely resembled the ECHL Rivermen's own logo, a sailor dressed similar to Louie chewing on a hockey puck. While no legal action was taken, Grand Valley made some modifications to the logo which met the Rivermen's approval bringing the matter to a mutually satisfactory ending.
[edit] References
- "GVSU unveils new athletics logo.(Sports)." The Grand Rapids Press (Grand Rapids, MI) (July 31, 2002): E3. Grand Rapids Press. Thomson Gale. Grand Valley State University.
