Trying to trade mark “the” wasn't good enough for Ohio State University. And now they're being sued.
Media company Overtime Sports Inc. is suing the university, who attempted to block the company from trademarking its letter “O” logo. The company was reportedly asked by the university earlier this year to stop using the logo due to their similarities; Overtime Sports Inc. responded by filing suit against the university.
The logo, an “O” with sloping corners, is pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
For comparison, here are the two logos side by side:
“There are numerous O marks, O-formative marks, and O designs in use by third parties in connection with the relevant goods and services, such that consumers will not presume that all goods and services offered under O or O-formative marks emanate from a common source,” attorney Laura Popp-Rosenberg who represents Overtime Sports argued.
Ohio State wouldn't comment on the lawsuit.
“Like other many other universities, Ohio State works to 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 teaching, research and service,” university spokesman Chris Davey explained via email.
– – Quotes courtesy of the Associated Press Link – –
