PRESS RELEASE
Snyder Chamber of Commerce pays licensing fee for White Buffalo Bikefest name.
Jim Coventry, Snyder resident, demanded that the Chamber pay $15,000 as a licensing fee to use the White Buffalo Bikefest trademark and the copyright for the logo for which he had recently purchased. If refused, the Chamber would face a cease and desist for its use for the August Bikefest.
Unknown to the Chamber, Coventry had made application for the trademark and copyright in October 2014 and was attained on June 30, 2015. Coventry stated that if the fee was not paid, all signs, posters, advertisements and use of the name would be required to be removed under legal action.
The Chamber board decided to pay the fee this year because its purpose is to bring economic development to the city, to fill hotels and restaurants and bring customers to the businesses.
Originally the trademark was under the name of White Buffalo Bikefest, which was paid by the Chamber of Commerce. Unbeknownst to any of the existing Chamber board, the name had not been renewed. Coventry said he checked on the status and decided to "steal" it. Coventry blindsided the board with this information after all advertising had been purchased and displayed.
The licensing fee is for this Bikefest only. The Chamber has not made a decision whether to use the name in subsequent years.
Linda Molina
Executive Director
Snyder Chamber of Commerce
325-573-3558
director@snyderchamber.org