Last year, the University of Illinois has stopped using the Chief Illiniwek logo to adhere with NCAA policy of banning the use of American Indian imagery in athletics. However, the controversy is not yet over for this circle-shaped logo.

Jack Davis, a UI graduate who designed this very popular Chief, has filed a lawsuit against the university to regain full ownership of the image. Designed 27 years ago, Davis had received $200 for his effort on this project.

Apparently, money is the bottom line of this argument. Even though Chief Illiniwek is no longer seen during basketball and football games, this iconic symbol still generates millions of dollars in retail merchandise as many UI fans continuously support it.

Naturally, the university remains resolute that they own the trademark for this logo and its related word marks. It is currently working on a plan to sell merchandises online bearing this logo.

But who really owns the logo?

According to a news article, UI rightfully owns the trademark registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In spite of this, Davis insists he had an agreement with a former associate athletic director that in the event the logo is discontinued or rejected he will retain the ownership. Unfortunately, there is no written contract to support his claims.

Disclaimer: The logo used is for reference only. Hence, copyright belongs to the respective owners. If you are the owner and wish to have the image removed from this post, please send an e-mail to remove-logo@logodesignworks.com.