CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The University of Texas System has sued a longtime Corpus Christi meat market, alleging its logo infringes on UT’s federally registered Longhorn trademark and could make customers believe the business has ties to the university.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, names Staples Street Meat Market and owner Michael Meehan as defendants. UT alleges trademark infringement and dilution, unfair competition and unjust enrichment.
The university says the meat market uses a logo and orange color scheme that resemble its Longhorn branding. UT argues the similarities could lead customers to believe the business has been affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by the university.
UT also said it licenses its Longhorn logo for various products and services, including food and restaurants, making the alleged similarities more likely to cause confusion.
Meehan disputes the allegations and said his business has no connection to UT.
“We’re not telling people that we’re associated with UT,” Meehan told 3NEWS.
Meehan said the logo reflects his family’s South Texas ranching history, which he said dates to the 1700s. He said the orange-and-white color scheme came from Alice High School, his alma mater, rather than UT.
He also said the logo’s animal design represents a Black Angus cow and that the horns were inspired by a Highland cow.
Meehan said UT sent the business a cease-and-desist letter in late 2023. The parties communicated again earlier this year but failed to reach an agreement.
Meehan said he offered to change the logo if UT covered the estimated $2,500 to $10,000 cost of replacing the business sign. He said the university declined.
UT said in a statement that filing the lawsuit became its “only other available remedy” after attempts to resolve the dispute.
The university is asking the court to permanently bar the business from using the disputed logo or similar designs. It also wants the destruction of signs and promotional materials bearing the logo, monetary damages, profits allegedly earned through the infringement, and attorney’s fees and court costs.
UT has requested a jury trial.
Meehan said he has no plans to settle the case and is considering a defamation lawsuit against the university.