Race organizer reacts to Purdue lawsuit

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - In a press release sent Friday, Purdue University announced it filed a lawsuit in the Tippecanoe County Circuit Court, attempting to stop the organizer of a mini-marathon from using the university's name.

"We've taken a number of steps, including multiple cease and desist letters asking Mr. Reinke not use the Purdue name, and he has not responded to any of those communications. He persists in using Home of Purdue," said Teri Lucie Thompson, Purdue's vice president of marketing and media.

She said the university filed a separate notice of opposition this past summer in federal courts.

"We got no response from him and this feels like we need to pursue to let him know he can not use our name with out our consent," said Thompson.

After News Channel 18 placed several phone calls and voicemails, race organizer Dean Reinke responded.

"We are already in dialogue. we have been for the past six weeks with Purdue on this issue. So I'm not sure. If they want to contact me, and if they are alleging that they are going to do something, again tell Purdue, 'Hey guys if you want to quit sending press releases, why don't you pick up the phone, call Reinke, and sit down and do this,'" said Reinke. 

Florida-based race promoter Dean Reinke said he never received notice from Purdue University and News Channel 18's phone call was the first he had heard of the lawsuit. He said he has rights to the race name.

"We own the name and the rights to the Home of Purdue Half marathon as it pertains to a running event. I cannot have a Home of Purdue barbeque, for example," said Reinke. 

Thompson said Reinke actually filed a request to use the label Home of Purdue.

"We had to wait a period of time before we could file oposition," he said.

Thompson said Reinke is relying on the expectation that the name Purdue will get people to attend the race. She said it is not acceptable for Reinke to use the name when the university has no control over the event.

"The most important thing to say, for people to understand is that the name Purdue, and the brand Purdue, the reputation of Purdue, all represent quality, and when people hear that name they have a level of expectation about what goods and services will be provided," said Thompson.

Reinke said he is flown by cities nationwide to promote racing events, and he's not sure why he is being sued. He said in three weeks there will be a Home of Purdue half marathon race in Flora.

"This race is on; it's not cancelled. October 24, 2010- they can still register online," said Reinke.

Thompson said the next level of action will be a hearing date in court.

Reinke said he would like to sit down with Purdue president France Córdova, Athletic Director Morgan Burke and the Mayors of Lafayette and West Lafayette about what the race can be in the future.