NC-based attorney Robert Holmes "has staked a legal
claim to the name 'Carolina Hurricanes Hockey, Inc.,' and
set up a phone line asking for support for his venture,"
according to Steve Politi of the Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER.
The phone line "is causing confusion, and the legal claim
could cause more serious problems" for the NHL team as it
"tries to set up shop in the Triangle." Dan Norris, a
corporate specialist at the NC Secretary of State's office:
"Right now, he (Holmes) is the sole owner of the name
'Carolina Hurricanes,' whether he's associated with the team
or not." Holmes, who said he has "no plans to sell the
name," registered the name on April 29, one week before
Hurricanes Owner Peter Karmanos announced his move to the
area. Hurricanes GM, Jim Rutherford, wouldn't comment on
the issue, but said "the team would continue with business
as usual." NHL VP/PR Arthur Pincus said league trademark
attorneys are "working with Holmes to resolve the issue."
The NEWS & OBSERVER's Politi writes that the NHL and the
team "apparently aren't too concerned," as the team plans to
unveil a new logo on Monday and launch a season ticket drive
within ten days (NEWS & OBSERVER, 6/12).
