The indy pro Yuma Panthers (North American League) and Godfather Media, Inc. are not starting off on the right foot by stealing one of Penn State’s logos, modifying it, and using it as their own. This is clear copyright and trademark infringement. A truly professional media company would know better. Don’t be surprised to see a cease and desist letter here. Thanks to a forum poster for the heads up.
ballparkbiz.wordpress.com 
They have changed it slightly, according to the image on the NAL website. It’s still “close” but not “exactly” like the other one.
The change may be sufficient, as the mouth is open and ears are tucked back. The shadowing is still the same. If Penn State has been talking with them, it was likely approved before it was posted. That said, it’s still a sad name and logo.
Alan
FWIW, the “Scorpions” are rather unique. Maybe it’s harder to find a fuzzy scorpion mascot.
Penn State has a beef even if Yuma had a team in a defunct league. It would seem easier to create a different panther for their logo than go to court and lose.
A related story a couple of winters back when Amarillo wanted to use Gold Sox because of an old team in town … then found out some collegiate league team had taken it. Amarillo backed off after the team, in California, called them on it.
These aren’t exactly similar situations. Here’s a link to that.
http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2010-12-08/gold-sox-name-out-team
Thanks for the reminder, JU. The Amarillo team had at least four (4) missteps (see below) out of the starting gate, but hopefully everything is running smoothly now.
Alan
Marysville Gold Sox
https://ballparkbiz.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/amarillo-gold-sox/
Minnesota Twins
https://ballparkbiz.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/minnesota-nice-gives-sox-hope-confusion-over-tm-symbol/
Boston Red Sox
https://ballparkbiz.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/amarillo-sox-uniforms-dangling-into-trouble/
XXX
https://ballparkbiz.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/amarillo-sox-unveil-mascot-whoa-this-is-a-family-show/
Not a lot of panthers in SW Arizona… many, many scorpions.
Yuma Scorpions is a much better baseball name than the Yuma Panthers by a long shot
Wow…. They had a better name before the Panthers..
I really think Penn State has better things to worry about than an Indy League team in AZ using their logo as a template. Go look at the old Desert Valley Mountain Lions Logo for the CBL and Pecos League.. Penn State did nothing about that.
Don’t bet on it, if they actually know about it:
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/09/penn_state_causes_alabama_prep.html
The DVMLs never got off the ground, so they probably never even heard about the potential team.
Check again, they did play in the CBL.. for what thats worth.
Gil,
I stand reminded, although I seem to recall that the team never had a permanent home. BTW, the league has pulled the Yuma Panthers logo:
http://www.northamericanleague.com/view/northamericanleague/teams/northern-division
Hmmm…
Yep i smell a copyright lawsuit aganist Yuma hopefully things will settle before things get out right ugly