What’s in a name? Possibly a lawsuit.

Like many students,alumni, faculty and community members,officials of Regent University inVirginia said they feel the name “GeorgiaRegents University” needs advising.

Regent University is filing a federaltrademark infringement complaintagainst the Georgia Board of Regents(BOR) for its decision to name themerged Augusta State and GeorgiaHealth Sciences universities “GeorgiaRegents University,” according to anemail from Regent University to WJBFNews Channel 6.

Prior to the Aug. 7 name selection,Regent University wrote to the BOR askingthem to choose a name without theword “Regent.” Regent University officialsclaimed the new name would causeconfusion among prospective students,“especially in today’s online educationalenvironment,” and said “such a similarname could dilute the Regent University brand,” according to the news release.

Carlos Campo, Regent University’spresident, said the university name is afederally registered trademark and theletter was their attempt to protect theirtrademarked name. However, despitetrying to work “amicably” with theBOR, Regent University filed a complaintafter the BOR made its final decision.

Officials from Regent Universitysaid they anticipate the complaint willlead to further examination by the BORand, in order to avoid further legal action,hope a compromise can be reached.

According to Peter Flanagan, anassistant professor of political science,a lawsuit of this type would take severalyears. However, preliminary ortemporary injunctions may settle thecomplaint before it goes to trial. RegentUniversity could ask the district courtto prevent the use of the word “Regent”until the matter is settled.

A Regent spokeswoman told theAugusta Chronicle the lawsuit wouldbe filed the week of Aug. 22. As of Sunday,the suit had not been filed with theU. S. District Court in Augusta, Ga.

“I’m sure they would like to file itsooner rather than later,” Flanagan said.“Especially if they’re asking for an injunction.In that case, they could havea hearing on that within a month of thefile. So it is in their best interest to fileit soon.”