Norm Chow, the University of Hawaii’s new head football coach, has been inspiring t-shirts and products with "Chow" catch phrases.
But not all of them have been approved by the Chow family, and that’s causing some concern.
Norm Chow’s son is working to protect his father’s name and likeness.
He’s urging fans to only buy items that have been approved by the Chow family.
The folks from Butigroove and HI Life are working into the night to finish these mini pennants.
Butigroove is the only company that’s been given permission by Norm Chow’s family to readily use his name or likeness on products.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support shown by the community after Coach Chow’s hiring was announced and the excitement it has created around UH football. BJ Sabate and his team at Butigroove have helped to maintain a lot of that excitement with their creative t-shirt designs," said Carter Chow, Norm Chow’s son.
Carter is not only Norm Chow’s son, but also his agent and attorney.
He’s worried about companies that may profit from using his father’s name in catch phrases without permission.
Butigroove, on the other hand, has worked out a deal with the Chow family.
"Any royalties that would’ve been paid to Coach Chow for the use of his name will be used to support the UH Football program," said Carter Chow.
"Our first goal is to buy season tickets and hopefully we’ll send a kid and chaperone to the games every Saturday on behalf of Norm Chow and the UH program," said BJ Sabate, Butigroove Owner.
L&L Hawaiian Barbeque also had permission from the family, but only to sell a limited edition "Chow Down" shirt last week.
Proceeds from that also went to the University.
"This is a fun way for Coach Chow to raise awareness and funds for his program," said Carter Chow.
The Butigroove products don’t have any UH logos on them.
According to a UH spokesperson: "Merchandise produced and sold by third parties that do not infringe on UH’s protected trademarks are outside the university’s control."
As for these new Butigroove products, you can get the shirts and hats for $20 each, and pennants and stickers for $5 each at a luncheon on Wednesday, January 11.
It’ll be the public’s first opportunity to see and hear Norm Chow speak in person since becoming the new head football coach.
It’ll be at the Hukilau Café in Downtown Honolulu from noon till 1:30pm.
$20 will get you in the door, and that includes lunch.
Butigroove has also worked out a deal with Walmart to get Norm Chow products to the neighbor islands. That line will be called "Chow Country."
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
