Texas A&M Reaches Settlement with Indianapolis Colts over '12th Man' Trademark

Texas A&M and the Indianapolis Colts reportedly reached a settlement Wednesday over the school's "12th man" trademark, which has been federally trademarked since 1990. 

According to a school statement provided to the Associated Press (via USA Today), the lawsuit against the Colts "has been settled amicably and with good will." 

The Colts aren't the first team Texas A&M has sparred with over the "12th man" copyright.

In 2006, the Aggies filed a lawsuit against the Seattle Seahawks for infringing on their trademark, but a settlement allowed the Seahawks to retain the right to use the number 12 in "limited" capacities, according to Chris Daniels of KING 5 News. 

The agreement between the two sides reportedly requires the Seahawks to pay Texas A&M $5,000 annually for the limited use, but the deal expires this year following its renewal in 2011. 

"I haven't met an Aggie who is fully comfortable with the Seahawks use of the term to be honest," Texas A&M assistant vice-president Shane Hinckley said, per Daniels. 

If nothing else, the explosive popularity of the "12th man" trademark should give Texas A&M serious negotiating leverage should it choose to renew its deal with the Seahawks.