The University of Alabama and Auburn University have issued a rare joint statement about the misuse of their trademarks: The United Auto Workers (UAW) has received a cease and desist letter from lawyers representing the two universities for mass-producing and selling pro-union merchandise that features the universities' official trademarks. Next week Voting will take place at the Mercedes-Benz plant near Tuscaloosa.

“The United Auto Workers is currently using the University of Alabama and Auburn University trademarks without our approval or permission, violating the intellectual property rights of both universities,” a joint statement from the universities read.

“The UAW has been specifically instructed to cease any improper use of our trademarks in its campaigns (website, stickers, t-shirts, etc.) and both organizations will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our intellectual property rights.”

The schools said their goal was to eliminate confusion about their support for controversial political issues.

According to Auburn's official suspension order. letter“The UAW's activities infringe on the University's trademark rights because they are likely to cause confusion as to whether the UAW or its activities are affiliated with, connected to or associated with the University.”

“Furthermore, the University reaffirms its historic commitment to remain neutral. It is not involved in any political affairs and does not endorse any political candidate, campaign, or “The University requests that all items bearing the AU mark be provided to Auburn University to ensure they are not distributed or used in the future,” the letter said.

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson