Ohio State University loses trademark claim for the word ‘The’


Remember that strange claim by Ohio State University, excuse me, The Ohio State University, to trademark the word ‘The’ that I posted about a month ago?

Well, word is out today that their claim was denied.

Ohio State University has lost its fight to trademark the word “The.”

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office turned down the university’s request to trademark “The” when used as part of the school’s name on university merchandise.

OSU submitted the trademark application last month.

The patent office cited the trademark appears to be used for “merely decorative manner” and as an “ornamental feature” that doesn’t appear to function as a trademark that would differentiate the items from others.

Phew! That was a close shave for all lovers of the word ‘the’ who were worried that they might have to pay OSU royalties for using it.

Comments

  1. Matt G says

    I would think that a degree from The Ohio State University would look better on a resume. Merely having one from Ohio State University might make a potential employer or grad school have second thoughts about you.

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