U. threatens to throw the book at Penn Tex

Although over 600 students have purchased books for a reduced rate from new student-run bookstore Penn Text, the University may take legal action against the business. A representative from the University's General Counsel approached Penn Text owner Doug Levy yesterday afternoon, and told him he had until 5:00 p.m. to discontinue use of the word "Penn" in Penn Text's name or an injunction would be filed against him. The word "Penn" is a federally-regulated term reserved for use by the University, Associate General Counsel Robert Terrell said. "The University has made a large effort to be recognized as 'Penn,' and it is a legal trademark," Terrell said. Levy, a Wharton and College junior, said this is simply a move to shut him down. "I am saving students money," he said. "This is just one of many ways The Book Store is trying to prevent competition." Levy said there are other establishments that use the word "Penn" in their name and are not being pursued by the University, such as Penn Optometrics, Penn Notes and the Pennsylvania Book Center. "If I opened up a lemonade stand and called it 'Penn Lemonade,' I guarantee they wouldn't be threatening me with an injunction," Levy said. Terrell said Levy is free to sell books at a discount, but said the University must assert its rights in order to protect its trademark. "The issue is not the University trying to squelch competition, that's not the issue here," Terrell said. "Everyone is free to compete, but we don't want every business tagging along on the goodwill of Penn's name." While Levy said he understands the school's right to its trademark, he said he is under attack because he poses a threat to the University-owned Book Store. "Everyone tells me this is the greatest idea and they wish it had happened earlier," he said. "I'm not too concerned with the University trying to shut me down. This is just one of the many obstacles I've faced in this venture." Both Terrell and Levy said they are working towards a compromise, and this conflict will not end up in court.