Statement By The National Board Of Lambda Sigma Upsilon On Trademark Infringement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Hoboken, NJ] September 10, 2014 – On Monday, September 8, 2014, a video entitled “C.O.P. (Criminals of Permission),” was submitted to YouTube, which features the Greek letter representation of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. This video infringes on the trademarked Greek letters ΛΣΥ (Lambda Sigma Upsilon) and misrepresents the mission and values of our organization.

We would like to strongly emphasize that the individual in the music video is not a member of our organization, Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., and has never previously been associated with our organization.

The paraphernalia featured in the music video containing our trademarked Greek letters was recently reported missing by one of our own members and was not authorized by our organization to be used in the video’s production. Our Fraternity does not endorse the views and opinions expressed in the music video, nor do we condone our own members to incite any form of social or political action with the use of hateful words and in such a vulgar manner.

As stated in the Lambda Sigma Upsilon “Code of Ethics,” as to which all of our members must adhere to:

“LSU is a part of a larger educational community, and the thinking of this larger community is a basic part of all of LSU’s endeavors. We reject all activities which promote divisiveness among other groups, or promotes a negative image of the organization or the entire fraternal community. The men of LSU promote self-worth, integrity, human dignity and a positive image.”

By leveraging our trademark in the music video, the individual has consequently misrepresented our Fraternity and damaged a historical brand that dates back to more than 35 years. Our organization will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that trademarked letters are removed from all versions of the music video. We formally apologize to any and all agencies, school administrations, families, friends, and brothers for the confusion this video may have created and also for any negative attention that may be affecting you directly on our behalf. We sincerely thank all of you for your patience and assistance as we work to resolve this matter.

About Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc.

Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1979 by twenty collegiate men who were driven to increase the college graduation rate and social equality for Latinos at Rutgers University. Over the span of three decades, our Fraternity has grown and expanded to 65 universities across the nation, and contributed to countless individual and collective successes through adherence of our core values: academic excellence, cultural awareness and diversity, being a role model to the community, and brotherhood. Our membership is beautifully diverse, with men of all cultures, educational backgrounds, and professions, including the branches of law enforcement which the video is directed to.

For more information please contact:

Contact: John L. Jimenez
Director of Public Relations
Phone: 800-LSU-1155
www.lsu79.org
[email protected]

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *