Ohio State seeks to trademark the word 'The'

I have always thought Ohio State's use of the word "the" was pompous and unnecessary.

I would think this isn't possible. They might be able to trademark "The Ohio State" (with The included), but not the word itself.

If so, that would allow them to sue anyone who uses the word "the" right?

I think it is more along the lines of no other school could use

“The University of LSU”
“The university of Georgia”
Etc

On their merchandise

Try all the want, there will never be another

Ball So Hard University (Ballso)

That’s not how any of this works.

The “The” word would be trademarked for clothing and other marketing uses (probably in conjunction with the school colors) to promote the University. The Trademark would prevent unlicensed uses of the Mark in that format but not others.

LSU has a strong trademark and they defend it vigorously but they don’t “own” all representations of a tiger. Just those used that would lead one to believe the tiger is representing the mascot of the university.

quote:

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LSU has a strong trademark

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Many universities do. Florida sued St. Amant to make them change their logo because it violated the logo Florida trademarked.

quote:

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That’s not how any of this works.

The “The” word would be trademarked for clothing and other marketing uses (probably in conjunction with the school colors) to promote the University. The Trademark would prevent unlicensed uses of the Mark in that format but not others.

LSU has a strong trademark and they defend it vigorously but they don’t “own” all representations of a tiger. Just those used that would lead one to believe the tiger is representing the mascot of the university.

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Try selling something with a tiger and anything purple or gold and LSU will come after you. OSU will do the same with the word "The" if its red.

Might not be able to pull it off just for red. Possibly for the combo of red and gray, though, since scarlet and gray are their official colors.

I wouldn’t say “gross”, I would say “fricking stupid”.

The whole thing about insisting that they are THE Ohio State University is just plain obnoxious.


I’m fine with them calling themselves tOSU. Calling themselves “THE” is just asking for ridicule.

You can think it's stupid but it is recognizable and it is marketable. Your reaction to it is why people do it.