Almost one year ago, Marquette Spikeball™ Club’s Instagram received a direct message from the Spikeball™ Roundnet Association.
“Hey, we love everything that you are doing to further the sport of roundnet towards global domination!” the message began.
But the message continued as a request finished with an emoticon sad face.
“We need you to change your title, any branding and online presence (social media, website, etc.) from ‘Spikeball™’ to ‘Roundnet.’ If we allow unauthorized use of our trademarked brand name, we risk losing our trademark. :(”
The Spikeball™ brand, whose founder and CEO is Marquette College of Communication alum Chris Roker, has been controlling their image more tightly.