The Ohio State University wants to trademark the word ‘THE’: School tries to claim the commonly-used word for its branded merchandise
- Ohio State has filed to trademark the word ‘The,’ which is considered by many to be among the most commonly used words in the English language
- The university wants the trademark to use in conjunction with its merchandise
- The trademark would cover items like T-shirts, baseball caps and other hats
- Established in 1870, OSU changed its name to ‘The Ohio State University’ in 1878
- At the beginning of NFL games, ex-Buckeyes players often emphasize ‘The’ when identifying themselves as OSU alumni during starting lineup announcements
- Similarly, ex-University of Miami players say they attended ‘The U.’ The school has since trademarked ‘It’s All About The U’ and its logo, which is a large letter ‘U’
Ohio State is attempting to trademark what many consider to be the most commonly used word in the English language: ‘The’
Ohio State University is attempting to trademark what many consider to be the most commonly used word in the English language: ‘The.’
The university wants the trademark to use in conjunction with school merchandise, the Columbus Dispatch reported. The trademark would cover items like T-shirts and hats, according to the application, which was filed on August 8.
Established in 1870, the school officially changed its name to ‘The Ohio State University’ in 1878. Nowadays, at the beginning of NFL games, ex-Buckeyes football players often emphasize ‘The’ when identifying themselves as Ohio State alumni during starting lineup announcements.
Similarly, former University of Miami players say they attended ‘The U,’ and the school has since trademarked ‘It’s All About The U’ and its logo, which is a large letter ‘U.’
Established in 1870, OSU officially changed its name to ‘The Ohio State University’ in 1878
Nowadays, at the beginning of NFL games, ex-Buckeyes football players often emphasize ‘The’ when identifying themselves as Ohio State alumni during starting lineup announcements
‘Like other institutions, Ohio State works to vigorously protect the university’s brand and trademarks,’ University spokesman Chris Davey told The Columbus Dispatch in a statement. ‘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.’
Ohio State has never been shy about trademarking names, words, and phrases associated with its football program.
In 2015, then-coach Urban Meyer’s name was trademarked, and that was followed a year later when the school trademarked ‘Woody Hayes,’ in honor of the football program’s most famous figure.
The school did attempt to trademark OSU in 2017, but Oklahoma State objected, naturally.
The two schools have since reached an agreement that allows both to use the acronym.
According to the Dispatch, Ohio State has 150 trademarks in 17 countries, not including pending applications.
Ohio State has never been shy about trademarking names, words, and phrases associated with its football program. In 2015, then-coach Urban Meyer (right) had his name trademarked