Oklahoma State sues New Mexico State over mascot similarities

Oklahoma State University has sued New Mexico State University for copyright infringement over the Aggies' use of the Oklahoma State's "Pistol Pete" mascot.

Oklahoma State University has sued New Mexico State University for copyright infringement over the Aggies' use of the Oklahoma State's "Pistol Pete" mascot. 

According to KRQE, New Mexico State previously paid royalties to Oklahoma State for using the mascot.

Oklahoma State issued a statement saying the university "owns incontestable federal trademark registrations for its Pistol Pete marks," which it says are "well-known nationally."

New Mexico State issued a statement say it was hopeful the issue would be resolved without having to go to court. 

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The Aggies' current logo features a waist-up view of a cowboy character with two pistols drawn. Oklahoma State's current primary logo is a stylized "OSU" wordmark. A full-body image of a cartoon cowboy holding two pistols serves as a secondary logo. The secondary logo is similar to a previous version of the Aggies' logo.

New Mexico State also uses a live mascot, a person dressed as a cowboy holding a pair of pistols, which is similar to the live mascot used by the Cowboys.

New Mexico State believes the suit refers to the older version of its logo, according to KRQE. 

- Dan Gartland