"Speed Zone" Facing Black Flag?

This trailer parked at the American Legion led
to discussions of the legality of The Speed Zone for the town's use.

Photo by Linda Thompson
(posted 7.18.09)

The Speedway Redevelopment Commission might have to find another name to replace "The Speed Zone". After three years of use, the commission may discard the name and its logo due to possible trademark issues.

SRC Executive Director Scott Harris raised the issue at the July 15 Main Streetscape meeting during the selection of utility covers and way-finders with American Structurepoint planners, business owners and residents.

"Jeff Kingsbury brought up a point about 'The Speed Zone'. It is not trademarked," Harris said. He commented that the name is in use by a smokeless tobacco company and referred to a trailer parked at the American Legion.

The website for the US Patent and Trademark Office lists 21 active registered owners of the words "Speed Zone", with uses ranging from go-kart tracks and energy drinks to archery bows and Maytag washers.

Shane Burkhardt of American Structurepoint and Laura Mussal of Hetrick Communications unveiled "The Speed Zone" at the September 18, 2006 SRC meeting. Not everyone favored "The Speed Zone" name or logo. The unveiling received criticism from the public because the name and logo were developed without public involvement.

Harris suggested using "Speedway, Indiana" on the utility covers. He talked about his visit to Memphis where a gentleman could not make the connection that the IMS is located in Speedway. Harris told the group about the importance to reclaim that identity.

Burkhardt stressed the importance of having some type of logo to identify the area.

"We are probably not going to make that decision tonight. It will have impact on utility covers, bike paths and 16th Street", Harris said.

Amy Carroll of the Old Speedway City Neighborhood Association said attendees at previous meetings had vetoed the idea of using the logo on 16th Street. Carroll was also part of the 16th Streetscape committee. Burkhardt did not recall the discussions.

The current plan includes planting 77 trees on Main Street. The street lights will be ripon fixtures and bangor poles. The street fixture is a compromise to the acorn light requested by Don Katterhenry in an effort to preserve the town's history.