The Browns are requesting the presidents of the
"estimated" 150 Browns Backers clubs nationwide to sign a
five-page "Letter of Understanding," which "provides
guidelines" for use of the team's marks, the words "Browns
Backers," and the Browns Backers Worldwide logo, according
to Cheryl Powell of the AKRON BEACON JOURNAL. Under the new
terms, the Browns will "provide chapters with a Browns
Backers Worldwide logo personalized with the chapter name,"
although the chapters will "then need written permission" to
use that "logo, any Browns trademark or even the words
'Browns Backers'" on merchandise. Browns VP/PR Alex Martins
said the new guidelines are a result of "a couple of
instances where the trademark and logo usage have been
utilized against NFL regulations for personal and retail
benefit." Martins: "Those are instances we are required to
guard against." Once approved to use the Browns Backer
logo, the letter states "items must be purchased through one
of the Browns' NFL-licensed suppliers," although Martins
said that the team's stance on the rule "will be flexible."
Powell adds that chapters that "refuse to go along with the
new rules can lose preferential treatment when it come[s] to
such perks as game tickets," which are awarded to "Official
Browns Backer club" members (BEACON JOURNAL, 7/29).