The Kamloops Broncos logo and Boise State Broncos logos

BOISE - A Canadian football club adopted a logo and color scheme – leading many to notice the similarity to Boise State’s athletics logo.

The Kamloops Broncos of British Columbia compete in the Canadian Junior Football League – and have a logo that mirrors that of the Boise State Broncos. Fans at BroncoCountry.com first noticed the similarity.

"It's interestingly similar to ours,” Boise State Marketing and Promotions director Brad Larrondo said. 

School officials became aware of the similarity in the last ten days – and are working with the third party company that manages the rights to the logo – Collegiate Licensing Co. – to determine if the Kamloops logo infringes on Boise State’s trademark.

“CLC represents us in the use of our trademarked logo, and any vendor that uses our logo for sale or production,” Larrondo said. "It's something that we need to have CLC follow up and pursue."

The Kamloops team is a non-profit group, and all proceeds from merchandising go back into the team, according to general manager Dino Bernardo. Players are aged 18-22, and come from throughout Canada.

“We’re not out to make money, we’re a non-profit. We liked the name, and Boise State's done a great job with their logo,” Bernardo said. "It was never our intention to steal a logo from the Boise State Broncos."

Bernardo said the new logo launched in May of 2007.

The Kamloops Broncos are coached by Stefen Reid – a former Bronco linebacker in the early 1990s.

Reid said the group is already changing the logo – with a new version to debut for the 2008 season.

Kamloops Communications director Dave Arthers acknowledge the similarity.

"It’s a similar Bronco, but I think the head is facing the opposite direction," he said. “All the copyright stuff was looked at prior to (using the new logo.)”

In 2001, Boise State paid $85,000 for two new logos – the “mean Bronco” head for athletics, and the “diamond skyline” for the University as a whole.  North Charles Street Design Organization of Baltimore, MD designed both logos.