COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University has offically trademarked "THE" after waiting nearly three years on a decision.

According to a tweet from trademark attorney Josh Gerben, the trademark was granted on Tuesday.

What You Need To Know

  • Trademark attorney Josh Gerben said the trademark was orginally filed in 2019

  • United Stated Patent and Trademark Office originally refused the trademark saying it was "merely ornamental"

  • Marc Jacobs had also filed to trademark "THE"

  • Marc Jacobs and the university settled last August

Gerben said in following tweets OSU submitted the application for the trademark in August 2019. 

The United Stated Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) originally refused the trademark, saying it was "merely ornamental" and Marc Jacobs had filed an application for "THE" several months ahead of the university. 

In 2021, the university responded to show USPTO it was not an ornamental trademark and opposing Marc Jacobs. 

Ohio State and Marc Jacobs settled their dispute.

"While the terms of the settlement agreement were not disclosed, USPTO records indicate that Ohio State and Marc Jacobs agreed that they could BOTH own a registration for the word 'THE,'" Gerben tweeted.

Gerben said they reached a settlement in August 2021.

The Class 25 trademarked "THE" can be used for clothing such as T-shirts, baseball hats and hats sold through customary collegiate sports and athletic channels.

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