Ohio State University seeks to trademark “The” associated with college brand

OSU

FILE - In this May 18, 2019 file photo, pedestrians pass through Ohio State University's student union in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State University wants to trademark the word “The” when used as part of the school’s name on university merchandise. The school submitted a trademark application this month to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The application requests a standard character trademark for the title “The Ohio State University” that would cover various items including T-shirts, baseball caps and hats. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)AP

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio State University wants to trademark the word “The” when used “in ways that clearly signify association with Ohio State and its brand.”

That could mean something like a scarlet and grey T-shirt with “The” in caps across the front. The trademark could apply to clothing, including T-shirts and hats.

The university filed the application with the United State Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 8.

“Like other institutions, Ohio State works to vigorously protect the university’s brand and trademarks because these assets hold significant value, which benefits our students and faculty and the broader community by supporting our core academic mission of teaching and research,” the university said in a statement.

The “The” before Ohio State University isn’t just a boastful: it’s how the university is referred to in the Ohio Revised Code.

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