Battle of OSUs ends with a deal

Ohio State University and Oklahoma State University have reached an agreement that will end a potential trademark dispute and allow them to share the acronym OSU.

The two universities collided after Ohio State University filed an application in February with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, requesting the trademark for “OSU” on clothing and apparel.

Oklahoma State University objected, notifying the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that it also had rights to the OSU acronym.

Both schools did have prior trademarks on the OSU initials which had defined boundaries. Ohio State covered 19 states in the Midwest and East Coast while Oklahoma State held such rights in 17 western and southern states.

But drastic changes in the make-up of athletic conferences, the marketing industry and the increased national profile of collegiate athletic competition rendered the old agreements impractical.

Rather than go to court, the two universities signed an agreement earlier this month that will allow both of them to use the OSU trademark nationwide.

“The parties believe that there is no likelihood of confusion, mistake, or deception between the continued use and registration of Ohio State OSU Marks and Oklahoma State OSU Marks,” the agreement states. The two schools have different color schemes: Ohio State is scarlet and gray while Oklahoma State is black and orange.

There are some boundaries spelled out, though. Oklahoma State cannot use Ohio State’s “Buckeyes” nickname or the “Brutus Buckeye” mascot for its merchandise. Ohio State cannot touch “Cowboys” or the “Pistol Pete” mascot for similar purposes.

And neither school can disparage the other with phrases such as “wannabe OSU” or “copy-cat OSU”.

Both sides vow that should disputes or confusion arise, they will negotiate in good faith to settle the matter.