ATLANTA (AP) — The federal appeals court in Atlanta will soon consider whether a sports artist who has made a name for himself by sketching images of University of Alabama events has violated the school's trademark.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear the lawsuit on Thursday the school filed against Daniel Moore in 2005. It contends Moore painted scenes from football games using the school colors without permission, and reissued licensed prints without paying royalties.

The lawsuit has become a proxy battle of a greater fight. About 30 other universities have filed briefs supporting Alabama, arguing that the artists are profiting by ignoring licensing rules meant to fund college programs.

Major media organizations are weighing in on Moore's behalf. They contend that he is expressing his free speech rights.