The Red River Shootout is just two days away and students are
hustling to buy last minute Sooner gear.

But those waiting until they arrive in Dallas to spend their money
on cheaper items might want to think twice.

Representatives from The Collegiate Licensing Company and the OU
and University of Texas Licensing Offices, in collaboration with
law officials in Dallas, Austin and Norman, will be searching for
counterfeit merchandise throughout the week, according to a press
release from The Collegiate Licensing Company.

Counterfeit products could be anything from T-Shirts to hats, said
Rick Hart, OU’s associate athletics director. He advised
students to avoid random venders to ensure their products are
authentic.

“People temporarily manufacture the products in order to take
advantage of the event,” Hart said. “Our effort is to
send people toward the licensed products.”

Hart said press releases are always sent out before big games like
OU-Texas, bowl games and Final Four to inform people about
counterfeit products.

Robert Montgomery, University College freshman, said he won’t
be buying any “Beat Texas” paraphernalia because he
purchased his from University Bookstore. However, he said other
students might find the counterfeit items convenient.

“I personally would rather have authentic products,”
Montgomery said. “But some people will buy whatever is cheap,
so I’m not even sure it’s worth stopping.”

Josh Bounds, University College freshman, said cracking down on
venders who sell counterfeit merchandise is a good thing because it
will prevent losses from actual companies who have authentic
products.

“They are robbing whatever companies have a trademark on the
items,” Bounds said. “Retailers have the right to sell
their items and they should be able to.”

OU and UT are partnering with CLC to prevent losing thousands of
dollars in revenue to counterfeit items, according to the release.
Money from revenues is not only used to maintain the company but is
also a means of providing scholarships and student development on
both college campuses.

“Protecting our brand as we enforce the correct use of our
logos and trademarks also ensures that revenue dollars are put to
the university’s intended use, including scholarships and
academic advancement,” Craig Westemeir, Director of Trademark
Licensing at Texas, said in a press release.

Hart said it is not illegal for consumers to purchase counterfeit
products because people do not know the items are not
authentic.

Stacy Jean-Claude, University College freshman, said even if they
knew it was not authentic, college students won’t care where
they buy their Sooner gear, as long as it doesn’t cost more
than tuition.

“Students are more likely to buy fake items this weekend
because there will be more opportunities to purchase them,”
Jean-Claude said. “Either way, we want the cheaper items.
We’re college students—we’re poor.”

 
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