University of North Dakota might have to pay C.R. RoughRiders

CEDAR RAPIDS - The University of North Dakota is changing its controversial nickname, and it might have to pay the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders to do so.

An attorney for RoughRiders ownership told North Dakota media Wednesday that the United States Hockey League club has held a federal trademark in hockey for the RoughRiders name and logo since 2012 and has informed the university it would enforce that trademark should the school eventually choose the nickname.

Due to NCAA pressure, UND vacated the nickname Fighting Sioux in 2012, with a school committee recently suggesting five potential replacements, including RoughRiders. The other finalists are Fighting Hawks, Nodaks, North Stars and Sundogs.

The Grand Forks Herald reported that Niwot, Colo., attorney Thomas Moore sent the school a letter informing it of the RoughRiders trademark. Moore represents Newco Riders, LLC, a six-person ownership group that includes North Dakota alumni Tony Sdao.

'We just wanted them to know that we were out there,” Moore told the Grand Forks Herald. 'If they wanted to purchase (the name), I think my client would be open to that.”

Moore said the concern for the RoughRiders is that North Dakota's men's hockey program, one of the tops in tne nation, could cause 'consumers (to) become confused.” North Dakota's colors are white, green and black, same as the RoughRiders.

'It doesn't matter that they don't directly compete,” Moore told the Herald.

RoughRiders CEO Jeff Jauch declined comment Thursday. North Dakota spokesman Peter Johnson said school representatives have spoken to Sdao about the issue.