Gentle Ben's brews up dispute over UA logo

"We are trying to find a way to let them accomplish what they would like to do and at the same time preserve the integrity of our marks," said UA attorney Mike Proctor.

Gentle Ben's Brewing Company, 843 E. University Blvd., was cited in January for counterfeiting, after the UA called Tucson Police to report a trademark violation. The slogan "U of ALE," which was printed on T-shirts, created the dispute.

Dennis Arnold, Gentle Ben's owner, was angered by the citation and decided to bring suit against the university. The UA followed with its own lawsuit.

"Things were generally escalating," Proctor said.

Since then, the two have agreed to come up with a less costly and less time-consuming solution, he said.

"We came to a mutual conclusion ... (a lawsuit) would be more of a headache for all of us," said general manager Tauna Arnold.

"We've asked them to submit some kind of compromise designs," Proctor said.

While no agreement has been reached, Gentle Ben's has submitted a new design to their lawyers and a copy has also been given to Proctor.

The UA's policy is to defend their logos vigorously and they have done so in the past, Proctor said.

Villanova University, whose mascot is also a wildcat, had to enter into a consent agreement with the UA to make sure the integrity of the UA wildcat was kept intact, Proctor said.

Tauna Arnold hopes an agreement will be reached within a month or so, but Proctor said it is impossible to determine when a settlement will be reached.