Ohio State The university initiated a legal challenge against the Michigan company’s attempt to trademark a phrase, which directly cuts one. College football Most storage rival. TeaHe filed a notice of opposition with the university on August 27 with the United States patent and trademark office. N Arber Restaurant The Brown Jug, Inc. Business is demanding trademark “Baikya tears” for use with beer and alcohol products.

In its filing, Ohio State said that this mark could confuse consumers thinking that the university was connected to products. The school cited the value of its brand, stating that its licensing program increased more than $ 145 million in royalty and more than $ 2.2 billion in retail sales in the last decade. University lawyers also argued that combining alcohol with its athletics programs can damage its reputation and dilute the strength of its “bkeys” identity.

Brown Jug submitted an application based on “intentions to use” last year, meaning that the phrase was not yet in commercial circulation. So far, it has only appeared in limited form, such as on a menu item, and without any Ohio State Trademark, logo or school colors.

Trademark Attorney Josh Gerben, who is not involved in the case, Written in a post It can be difficult to prove the claim of consumer confusion of that Ohio state.

Gerbeen wrote, “It is difficult to imagine consumers thinking that they are drinking a ‘Bake Tier’ product or licensed by the university.” “The fact that the applicant is located in N Arber, only strengthens the perception that it is a tongue-in-chal for Michigan rivalry, not a real product created by the university.”

The “left tears” concept is not new. In 2023, A group of Bruis owned by alumni alumni of Pen State released a limited-run IPA Under the same name before the game of that season against Ohio State.

While Ohio State does not own the special rights of “Baki” in all industries, Gerben said that if Brown Jug uses the university related imagination on future products, its case can be strong.

“If ‘Baki Tiers’ beer or wine actually comes in the market using Ohio State’s colors, logo, or other indicia, the case of violation will be very strong,” Geraben wrote.

Brown Jug is till 6 October to respond to the opposition of Ohio state. Under the proposed schedule, the dispute may expand in 2027 before the final decision is issued.

The legal battle is the latest expansion of Ohio State -Mishigan rivalry, which began in 1897. Michigan has recently controlled the football series, which wins the last four meetings. Another win in 2025 will give Wolverin the streak of its longest victory in the matchup from the mid -1920s.