Texas A&M Employee Escapes '12th Man' Copyright Lawsuit

Monday, February 23, 2026iiplaeditorialSource: IIPLA
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Texas A&M Employee Escapes '12th Man' Copyright Lawsuit

By Editorial Team

A Texas federal judge recently dismissed copyright infringement claims against a Texas A&M University athletics communications employee accused of posting part of a book online related to the school's "12th Man" tradition. The judge ruled that the employee is immune from such claims as an employee of the state.

The employee, whose identity has not been disclosed, was represented by legal counsel from Fortif Law Partners, George Brothers, McGinnis Lochridge, and Phelps Dunbar. The case was heard in the U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts of the Southern District of Texas.

The lawsuit, which involved intellectual property and media & entertainment law, was closely watched by legal experts in the sports and betting industry. The judge's decision sets a precedent in copyright cases involving state employees and their official duties.

This ruling highlights the complexities of copyright law when it intersects with state employment and official duties. Legal analysts anticipate that this case will have implications for similar copyright disputes involving state employees in the future.

For more updates on legal news and developments, stay tuned to Law360 for the latest insights and analysis.

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