HUMBOLDT, Sask. – Slogans and hashtags that emerged after the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash last month are now the focus of a trademark dispute.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has applied to trademark HumboldtStrong and other phrases, but the team says those who have suffered most from the tragedy should be the ones to benefit.
League president Bill Chow says they applied on April 20 to make sure the brands were protected.
Chow says that because the league already has control of proprietary rights and broadcast rights for all of the teams in the league, he says he thought the slogans might be something the league would also take under its umbrella.
He says at some point the Humboldt Broncos could do what they want to do with it.
The league partnered with a Regina-based clothing company a few days after the collision to sell HumboldtStrong T-shirts.
They said the proceeds would go to an assistance program created after the crash to provide support to its players.
But the Broncos organization says they haven’t endorsed those fundraising efforts.
Broncos president Kevin Garinger says the league has not directed any funds they have raised.
He says they will try to resolve the issue with the league and its board of governors.
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