Official Orange Crush Festival Veteran Owner Rebuilds Festival Legacy After Years of Misuse, Misrepresentation, and Media Confusion
Official Orange Crush Festival Veteran Owner Rebuilds Festival Legacy After Years of Misuse, Misrepresentation, and Media Confusion
George Ransom Turner III Sets the Record Straight with Trademark Receipts, Legal Filings, and Public Statement
Savannah, GA – May 29, 2025 — After years of media confusion, unauthorized promotions, and the exploitation of one of the nation’s most iconic Black spring break experiences, the truth is now official, documented, and indisputable: George Ransom Turner III, a 100% Disabled Veteran, cultural entrepreneur, and community advocate, is the federally registered trademark owner of Orange Crush Festival®—and he’s taking back control.
Armed with trademark certificates, cease-and-desist filings, and a newly launched transparency portal, Turner is setting the public record straight, reestablishing ownership, and preparing to bring the festival back under lawful, student-driven, and veteran-led leadership.
“This isn’t about drama—it’s about clarity,” said Turner. “For years, others have used the Orange Crush name without permission, misleading students, misinforming cities, and monetizing a brand they don’t own. That ends now.”
🔐
Legal Ownership Clarified: Who Really Owns Orange Crush Festival®
As of 2024, Turner is the sole legal owner of the federal trademark “Orange Crush Festival®” across multiple classes, including:
Class 041: Live events, festivals, and entertainment
Class 035: Advertising, merchandise, and brand licensing
Class 036: Financial tools and cryptocurrency
Class 042 / 043: Digital platforms and tech-backed nonprofit services
His ownership grants exclusive rights to:
Apply for permits and operate events under the Orange Crush name
Monetize the brand through tickets, merchandise, or partnerships
Prevent unauthorized use through enforcement under U.S. trademark law
All prior or upcoming attempts to use the name without a licensing agreement or written consent from Turner are legally invalid.
🛑
Legal Action Underway Against Infringers and Misinformation
In response to widespread misuse of the Orange Crush brand—including by unauthorized organizers, misleading web domains, and confused media coverage—Turner has initiated a multi-tier enforcement strategy. Actions include:
Cease-and-desist letters served to individuals and organizations misusing the brand
DMCA takedown notices for infringing event flyers, websites, and hashtags
Trademark complaints filed with Meta, Eventbrite, TikTok, and other platforms
Public correction requests issued to local and national press outlets
Legal counsel representing Turner has also prepared injunction filings and trademark litigation materials should enforcement require further escalation.
🗓️
Orange Crush 2026: Only Through the Legal Owner
Turner has formally announced plans to return the festival to Tybee Island in Spring 2026—as the only legal applicant for an event under the Orange Crush name.
The 2026 festival will include:
A full permit package submitted to the City of Tybee Island
ADA-compliant accessibility and shuttle services
Public safety, EMS coordination, and sustainability plans
Support from universities, veterans, and cultural institutions
“Let’s be clear—no other person, group, or promoter can legally apply for an Orange Crush Festival permit,” Turner emphasized. “If they do, it’s a misrepresentation of the facts—and I will act accordingly.”
📂
New Transparency Portal Launched
To eliminate further misinformation, Turner has launched a Legal & Transparency Portal at:
👉 www.OrangeCrushFestival.org/legal
This public portal includes:
Federal trademark certificates and ownership filings
Copies of cease-and-desist notices and DMCA filings
Live updates on permit and city submissions
A searchable database of media inaccuracies and correction letters
An FAQ for city officials, students, sponsors, and press
This marks a first-of-its-kind approach to festival integrity—built on facts, law, and documentation.
🗣️
A Call to the Press, Students, and Sponsors: Get It Right
Turner is now asking all media platforms, college partners, student leaders, and public agencies to verify Orange Crush-related information only through official channels.
“We built this with community, student energy, and Black culture. Now, we’re protecting it with federal law, veteran-led vision, and educational infrastructure.”
As the only federally authorized organizer, Turner’s goal is not only to correct the record but to build something greater—for students, for Georgia, and for the nation.
📬
Media Contact
George Ransom Turner III
Trademark Owner & Festival Organizer
📧 Email: info@orangecrushfestival.org
🌐 Website: www.OrangeCrushFestival.org
📱 Instagram: @OrangeCrush.Festival
🎓 Nonprofit Arm: [@OrangeCrushUniversity]
🪙 Digital Economy: [@CrushCoin.us]
📘
About Orange Crush Festival®
Orange Crush Festival® is a federally registered cultural trademark owned by George Ransom Turner III. Founded over 30 years ago, the festival has grown from a grassroots tradition into a national cultural ecosystem that now includes:
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit university
A DAO-backed blockchain economy
A digital media network and artist development label
A trademark enforcement and public education initiative
Orange Crush Festival stands for culture, ownership, and integrity. And now, it stands on solid legal ground.
