UI renames road ‘Hawkeye Wave Way’ amid ‘For The Kids’ trademark scuffle
Iowa City, IA – The University of Iowa has officially renamed a stretch of road adjacent to Kinnick Stadium, opting for “Hawkeye Wave Way” instead of the previously proposed “For The Kids Way.” This decision comes after a trademark dispute arose, prompting the university to reconsider its initial choice.
The name “For The Kids,” inspired by the iconic wave at Kinnick Stadium, had faced criticism for its potential trademark infringement. The phrase is closely associated with the “For The Kids” foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children facing hardships. The foundation expressed concerns about the potential for confusion and dilution of its brand, ultimately leading to the university’s decision to seek an alternative.
“We value the support of the ‘For The Kids’ foundation and understand the concerns raised regarding the potential for confusion,” said a university spokesperson. “We believe the name ‘Hawkeye Wave Way’ is a fitting tribute to the spirit of Hawkeye Nation and captures the essence of the iconic wave, while also avoiding any potential trademark issues.”
The newly renamed “Hawkeye Wave Way” will be officially unveiled in the coming weeks. The university hopes the new name will resonate with fans and continue to honor the tradition of the wave, while ensuring clarity and respect for the “For The Kids” foundation’s trademark.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of careful consideration and due diligence when it comes to choosing names and branding, particularly for entities associated with popular cultural phenomena. As the university continues to celebrate the tradition of the wave, “Hawkeye Wave Way” aims to capture the spirit of unity and passion that has become synonymous with Kinnick Stadium.