The Ohio State University Seeks To Trademark 'The'

Chronicle of Higher Education, Its Eyes on New Merchandise, Ohio State Looks to Trademark a Single Word: ‘THE’:

American universities boast a storied history of trademark claims — from threatening mom-and-pop bakeries to cashing in on Cinderella upsets — and the Ohio State University last week continued that tradition when it filed an application for a word central to Buckeye pride. It’s also one of the most common words in the English language:“THE.

”Discovered, and subsequently publicized, on Tuesday night by Josh Gerben, a trademark lawyer, the application claims use of the three-letter word “without claim to any particular font style, size, or color.” 

In response to questions from The Chronicle, a university spokesman wrote that the trademark “would apply for usage of ‘The’ in ways that clearly signify association with Ohio State and its brand, like for example a scarlet and gray T-shirt with ‘The’ on the front.” ...

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