Regents University Sues GHSU-ASU Boards for Trademark Infringement
ByFor the past week, the merger of Georgia Health Sciences University and Augusta State University has garnered unwanted attention through the controversy surrounding the new name, 'Georgia Regents University.'
First, it was students of ASU protesting against the name and before it could simmer down, a Virginia-based University is suing over the alleged copyright infringement.
Regents University, a private Christian university, is filing a lawsuit against University system of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University and Augusta University for naming the new merged institution as 'Georgia Regents University'. The university confirmed this move Wednesday through an email to WJBF News Channel 6.
Regent University, founded in 1978 by televangelist Pat Robertson, said that it had notified the board of regents of University system of Georgia about its opposition to the name owing to the fact that prospective students might get confused in an era where everything from obtaining prospectus to applying to the school takes place online. But, GHSU went ahead with the okayed name and made it public Aug.7.
"Regent University has consistently taken steps to protect its trademarked name. We have respect for the Georgia Board of Regents, but we believe that their selection of the name Georgia Regents University is an unfortunate infringement of our valuable federally registered trademark," said Dr. Carlos Campo, Regent University president in a statement.
Georgia Board of Regents which made the final call over the name change is facing displeasure of the Augusta State University students, alumni and many residents of the Augusta. Over 1000 students boycotted classes Monday and held a massive demonstration against the school board's decision to change the name of the school. Apparently, they want the name to consist of the word 'Augusta', reports Huffington Post.
The Facebook page by the students of ASU against the name change, "Everyone Against 'Georgia Regents University' Sound Off" is bubbling with activity as the news of the lawsuit became public. Ironically, the students are hoping that their alma mater and GHSU will lose the suit so that they can get their name back.
One student vocally expressed her support for the Regents University: "I hope Virginia WINS and we can get Augusta in the name again. If anything, this whole consolidation idea just needs to cease and keep the schools the way they are with their names already. This is getting too complicated; the BOR didn't think about the details of this merger AT ALL."