Indianapolis Colts

Texas A&M sues NFL's Colts for '12th Man' trademark offense

Published Nov. 12, 2015 3:50 p.m. ET

foxsports

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) Texas A&M has filed a federal lawsuit against the NFL's Indianapolis Colts that university officials say is meant to protect their 12th Man trademark.

The lawsuit filed Thursday in Houston is intended to protect the phrase ''Home of the 12th Man'' and variations of it that the university contends have brought its fan base ''national renown.''

A&M System Chancellor John Sharp says in a statement the university bears no ''ill will'' toward the Colts in its effort to protect the trademark. Colts officials did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

A&M previously sued the Seattle Seahawks for infringing on the trademark and the two sides reached a settlement.

The university says the 12th Man phrase was federally trademarked in 1990.