“The” Ohio State University Told They Can’t Trademark The “The” – IOTW Report

“The” Ohio State University Told They Can’t Trademark The “The”

CBS

Ohio State University has failed to trademark the word “the,” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday, turning down its application to claim the three-letter definite article as its own.

The school’s effort stems from its wish to be formally called “The Ohio State University,” rather than the arguably humbler “Ohio State University.” The university has emblazoned T-shirts, hats and other merchandise with the longer phrase, and thus had sought the trademark to protect the longer name. More

Bill Clinton is reported to be disappointed he’ll be unable to trademark the word “is.” -Dr. Tar

23 Comments on “The” Ohio State University Told They Can’t Trademark The “The”

  1. Don’t worry if your patent is already taken. The future is the Office of Gender Assignment. I’m applying for my gender as rubberballs3941 and my pronouns are bounce/bouncy/bounced. Once it’s approved, I’ll be collecting at least $5k each time someone mis-appropriates my pronouns with him/he/his and another $5k when called a male instead of rubberballs3941, and another $5k when rubberballs3941 isn’t a choice when making gender selection.

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  2. It just sounds stupid anyway. No one says the ____________(fill in any state) State University. Michigan State, Florida State, whatever–that’s just how you say it. Now if it’s the Univerty of Michigan or the University of Ohio, for example, then you preface with the article “the”. That’s just standard English. They might be able to put together some good football programs, but they ain’t too bright in Columbus otherwise.

    ‘Course I wouldn’t be biased or anything, what with being a Wolverine alumnus and lifelong fan…

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  3. The New York Giants, The Washington Redskins, The Michigan Wolverines, etc… Maybe try trademarking “Da!” But you have a broblem with “Da Bears”. This claiming basic words like “the” and “guys” is getting tiresome.

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  4. Well, University of Wisconsin–Madison is call “the” University of Wisconsin, as if the other 11 Universities of Wisconsin and 12 extension campi didn’t exist. How would UC Santa Cruz feel if every mention of UCLA was “The University of California”? Go Banana Slugs!

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